THE East Lancashire Deafblind Club joined forces with the East Lancashire Deaf Society to bridge the communication gap by giving lessons in using texphones.

Lessons were held for members and volunteers of the East Lancashire Deafblind Club, at the Swallow Drive Resource Centre, Finch Close, in Blackburn. Further sessions may be organised if there is sufficient demand.

Texphones - better known as minicoms - are used by people who cannot hear a conversation or use speech.

A minicom has a keyboard so the user can type message.People using ordinary telephones can also talk by relaying their conversation through an operator service called Typetalk.

The East Lancashire Deafblind Club is looking for volunteers. For details contact Jim Coulthard on 01254 668313.

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