We believe that we are disabled not by our impairments, but by our environment. That’s why education is at the heart of everything we do.
My name is Alan Banks and I am Chair of the group.
I live in Scarborough with my wife and 4 boys.
Since losing my sight and having to leave my job as a NHS worker, I found things difficult. But I now have my best friend Oscar, my guide dog, who has pulled me through rough times and brought me back to life.
Guide dogs are amazing!
Hobbies
I was brought up in Scarborough and have now retired in the Old Town with my wife, Tricia.
I acquired my partial sightedness from a head injury in a car crash 40 years ago. It leaves me with no left-side field of vision, double vision and limited 3D perception. Coastline has introduced me to some wonderful activities and the chance to mix with a great group of resourceful individuals.
With experience as a trustee of the Stephen Joseph theatre and previously of Headway, the national head injuries association, and as a retired chartered accountant I believe my knowledge of charities and finance will be an asset to the Coastline.
My world was turned upside-down in May 2011. I had Brainstem Encephalitis (acquired brain injury). I was registered severely sight impaired in 2015 as my sight had deteriorated over the years. My hearing also deteriorated and I'm deaf in my left ear but can slightly hear in my right ear with my hearing aid . I have a guide dog named Baxter who has made me more independent. I have great family support and a network of professionals that have helped me thru the years to become more and more independent and confident.
Hobbies
I was born deaf but didn't get diagnosed until I was nearly two. I am profoundly deaf and went to a deaf school where I learned to speak and lipread. Now, I prefer to use British Sign Language and don't wear hearing aids as I wasn't able to learn to recognise sounds.
I want to improve communication and interaction between deaf people and everyone else including those with sight loss.
Hobbies
I lost most of my hearing quite suddenly in my early 50’s. I have no explanation as to why this happened and it affected my work and family life considerably.
I originally thought I would have to give up some of my work, I am a self employed hypnotherapist and laughter practitioner and love public speaking. For a while I didn't do any public speaking, but am happy my confidence returned and I continue to do so now.
My biggest challenge is making phone calls even though i wear hearing aids. I do as much as I can via email, text and seldom use a telephone.
I have recently received some new technology, a roger pen and accessories which helps me when zooming, in meetings and other circumstances.
I always like to look for a solution rather than the problem.
Hobbies
I am Dawn and I live in Scarborough with my partner and my dog, Rupert.
I run my own business preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and encounter many clients who live with hearing and sight issues.
For me, it is an honour to be appointed as a Trustee of Coastline, as the work they do to help make people with sight and hearing loss feel more included in society is amazing, and invaluable.
Hobbies
Unit 1,
The Street
12 Lower Clark Street
Scarborough
YO12 7PW
Registered Charity 1198829
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