deafPLUS history

1960	‘The Group’ formed in London
1964	First family weekend at Thorpness
1969	Name changed to ‘Breakthrough’
1971	First two full-time workers appointed
1972	First use of adapted teleprinter-telephones
1973	First TTY (textphone) call in the UK between Andrew Kenyon and David Hyslop (Trustee and staff member)
1974	First centre opened in Birmingham
1977	London centre established
1978	‘Communication through Sport’ set-up
1980	Launch of Vistel
1982	First electronic mail network started
1984	Opening of first office in Farnborough
1986	MAS launched in London
1989	London & Birmingham centres expansion
1990	New logo launched
1993	Birmingham recognised as training centre
1996	David Hyslop awarded OBE
1998	Initial work begins in North region
1999	Launch of website
2000	Breakthrough celebrates 30th birthday
2001	Expansion into North West and South West
2002	Name changed to deafPLUS
2003	deafPLUS Training Team receive NIACE Award
2004	Lindsey Lavender appointed Executive Director
2005	deafPLUS celebrates 35th anniversary
2006	National Office moves to Whitechapel, London. Paul Bartlett appointed Chief Executive.
2006	Website re-developed and logo undergoes a slight change.
2007	Debbie Broughall appointed Chair of deafPLUS