7 May 2024

This is an annual event in the UK to raise awareness about the D/deaf community. It also aims to promote a better understanding of deafness, D/deaf culture, and the experiences of D/deaf people.

This is in order to help break down communication barriers and encourage better communication between D/deaf and hearing individuals.

  • 12 million people in the UK are D/deaf or have hearing loss
  • Roughly 1 in 6 people in the UK experience some form of hearing loss
  • BSL (British Sign Language) is the most widely used sign language in the UK and has been recognised as an official language since 2003
  • There are many different types of deafness, including congenital deafness (present from birth) and acquired deafness (developing later in life due to illness, injury or age-related factors)
  • Deafness can impact people’s ability to communicate and access information, but many deaf people use sign language, lip reading, and other methods to communicate
  • Access to services and information can be a challenge for D/deaf people due to barriers such as lack of captioning or sign language interpretation
  • Some D/deaf people use cochlear implants or hearing aids to improve their hearing, but these technologies do not work for everyone
  • The D/deaf community has its own culture, history, and identity, which is important to recognise and respect.

Impact of the COVID Pandemic

In general, the impact of communication problems can lead people who are D/deaf to feel more isolated. During the peak of the COVID pandemic the impact of masks and other infection control measures, impacted on communication, and heightened difficulties. There have been recent reports outlining that access to healthcare have continued to be problematic, and that being D/deaf can have a negative impact on a person’s working life too. 

  • Always face the person
  • Speak clearly, slowly and steadily
  • Don’t cover your mouth – so the person can lip read (NB this is not easy and not always accurate)
  • Repeat and rephrase if necessary
  • Be patient
  • Avoid jargon and NHS speak.  

Our community dietitians have linked with Signalise Co-op to advise you on how they work together to provide high quality care to our patients. 

Mersey Care partners

Mersey Care has teamed up with Signalise Co-op to provide Sign Language Interpreters and other communication professionals to support service users and, carers accessing the Trust’s services.

Signalise Co-op, an organisation run by members of the local deaf community and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, can provide support in person or via a 24/7 video service. We know people often prefer face to face BSL but sometimes video can increase access and can be helpful depending on the appointment or situation.

Find out more on YourSpace.

The Trust has 140 Access Guides created by AccessAble these provide information from a pan-disability point of view, including information about hearing loops. By know what the venue a person is going to is like, it can reduce concerns.

Find out more on our website.

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Watch our short video featuring our Chair, Rosie Cooper talking about the importance of supporting people in the deaf community.

 

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