The Scottish Course to Train Tutors of Lipreading (SCTTL) was set up in 1994 when the first course was developed to train people to become Lipreading Tutors.

Prior to 1994, there were records of people teaching Lipreading in some parts of Scotland, but accredited tutor training could only be acquired in Manchester.

There are also records of Tutors of Lipreading being trained in the 17th Century and the late 19th Century.

We can see from history that it has been an ongoing journey to promote lipreading, thereby improving communication for all those with a hearing loss.

You can find out more about the history of lipreading.

In the present day, it has become clear how important it is to move forward with the provision of this extremely valuable skill.

What is happening today in the world of lipreading?

Presently, we have 19 lipreading tutors in Scotland with 20 lipreading classes based around the Scottish regions.

Lipread Scotland recognises a strong need to increase this number and so is aiming to reach out to more people to become Lipreading Tutors.

Lipreading classes are not only about Lipreading, but also about coping mechanisms, problem-solving, and improving the confidence of people with a hearing loss.

These lipreading classes provide benefits to the learners as they meet others in the same situation, and find that this lessens the isolation and frustration they feel in everyday life.

Facts about Hearing Loss

• There are approximately 850,000 people in Scotland with a hearing loss, which is 1 in 6 of the Scottish population.
• 70% of them are aged over 70
• There are many younger people also affected by hearing loss – around 3,600 young people in Scotland have a hearing loss.
• It has been said that this number will increase in the next 20 years by 50%
• Hearing loss is not always detected at the early stages, and this can have an impact on the wellbeing of someone losing their hearing.
• In order to assist the increasing number of people with a hearing loss, there is a need to provide more lipreading classes, and also an increase in the number of lipreading tutors.

Source: A strategic framework for meeting the needs of people with a sensory impairment in Scotland

Lipreading Classes

People who attend these classes benefit greatly by learning this new skill of lipreading, but of equal importance, they meet others in a similar situation to them.

Support is given to learners by the Lipreading Tutors both in learning this new skill and in aiming to improve their wellbeing.