Over 700 children will learn about the deaf and hearing impaired when Access Bermuda visits Saltus Junior School and Dellwood Middle School later this week.

Dr. Roslyn Rosen, a leader in the rights of the hearing-impaired and a veteran activist with the National Association of the Deaf, joins the National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged in conjunction with the Bermuda Islands Association of the Deaf in educating Bermuda about the needs of this group.

The programme of events kicked off yesterday with the Hamilton Town Crier Ed Christopher reading the Proclamation of Access Bermuda 2003 on the steps of City Hall (above).

The proclamation defined access as "the removal of physical barriers, changes in public attitudes, and the provision of relevant supports to ensure that all person with disabilities are part of community life".

It declared that "persons with disabilities should be assured access to the fundamental elements of daily life that are available to all members of the community" and "in the areas of transportation, housing, employment, recreation and education, individuals and communities should assess the accessibility of services and facilities; set goals by which progress can be measured over time; make practical improvements; and celebrate achievements by persons with disabilities".

In keeping with the proclamation, interpreter Tom Baldridge translated all spoken words into sign language and a hearing impaired musician performed.