Finding collections relating to d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people

One of the aims of our project is to make collections relating to d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people more visible – and to share some of the objects our Fellows and Trainees are discovering.

Some will have quite obvious connections to disabled people’s lives – a walking stick, some braille or images of disabled people. But we will also be exploring less obvious connections too. Sometimes the significance of an object is its owner; its part in a bigger story, or the way someone with lived experience of disability has responded to it. In this way we hope to broaden the ways that d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent stories are told.

Collections

PHILIPS HEARING AID INSTRUCTION MANUAL (Instruction manual)

Rights information: Copyright: Black Country Living Museum.

Description

Philips hearing aid information sheet for models between HP 8240 and 8258. When folded up, the front is yellow with white frame. The paper is white, there is 'Philips' in big black letters across the front and underneath are the different models for which this information sheet is for ranging from HP 8240 to HP 8258. There is also the Philips logo at the top right. When opened up there are diagrams on how to use the hearing aid at the top with instructions below in different languages.

This item was added to the collection as part of a selection of hearing aids which were owned by a lady who lives in the Black Country. It is important in showing the evolution of hearing aid technology. Collecting items like this helps to diversify the collections at the Black Country Living Museum by recording and valuing disability history.

- Claudia Davies, Curating for Change Fellow at Black Country Living Museum