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CTSI Supports... Deaf Awareness Week
Posted 02/05/25
5 May - 11 May 2025 : Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the Deaf community, and their language, culture and history.
It serves as a time to celebrate Deaf identity, promote Deaf culture, and advocate for equal access to communication and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. Deaf Awareness Week is also a crucial time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and build a more inclusive world for all!
What is Deaf Awareness Week?
This year, Deaf Awareness Week runs from 5 May 2025 – 11 May 2025, and the theme in the UK is "Beyond Silence", which highlights the importance of looking beyond the common misconceptions about deafness and recognising the rich experiences, identities, and contributions of Deaf individuals in society.
This year's theme encourages greater understanding of the diverse ways in which Deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate, from British Sign Language (BSL) to lip-reading, written communication, and assistive technology.
Deaf Awareness Week is important for shedding light on the social, cultural, and professional barriers that many Deaf individuals face, advocating for improved accessibility, inclusivity and equal opportunities. It also calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to go beyond simply acknowledging deafness and actively working towards meaningful change by, for example, promoting BSL learning, improving workplace accessibility, ensuring equal access to education and fostering more inclusive public spaces.
For more information:
- https://bda.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/
- https://deafnessresourcecentre.org/deaf-awareness-week-2025/
- https://www.signature.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/
Show your support!
Deaf Awareness Week includes various educational and outreach activities organised by Deaf associations, community groups and supportive organisations. To raise Deaf awareness during Deaf Awareness Week, you can:
- Find out how they like to communicate: Every Deaf or hard-of-hearing person will have a preferred way of communicating, so find out if they use speech, British Sign Language (BSL) or a mixture of both.
- Learn basic sign language: Take the initiative to learn some basic sign language. This can help you communicate with individuals who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and make them feel more included. Simple signs like greetings, thank you, and basic questions can go a long way in fostering communication.
- Use visual communication: When interacting with someone who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing, make sure to face them directly and maintain eye contact. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and use visual cues such as gestures and facial expressions to enhance understanding.
- Caption videos and presentations: When creating or sharing videos and presentations, make sure to include captions or subtitles. This allows individuals with hearing loss to access the content and fully participate in discussions or events.
- Be mindful of background noise: Background noise can make it difficult for individuals with hearing loss to understand conversations. When possible, try to minimise background noise or move to a quieter location to ensure effective communication.
- Provide assistive listening devices: If you are organising an event or meeting, consider providing assistive listening devices such as FM systems or loop systems. These devices can help amplify sound and improve accessibility for individuals with hearing loss.
- Promote accessibility: Advocate for accessibility in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions. Encourage the use of visual alarms, accessible signage, and other accommodations that make environments more inclusive for individuals with hearing loss.
And remember, Deaf awareness is not limited to just one week. It should be practiced year-round to create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
- https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/deaf-awareness-week-2025/
- https://www.ndcs.org.uk/get-involved/become-more-deaf-aware/deaf-friendly-communication-tips/
CTSI Chair Nikki Pasek has severe hearing loss. She uses hearing aids, lip reading and is learning sign language to support her communication needs. To read Nikki's facts about deafness and hearing loss, and to learn more about sign language visit: https://www.tradingstandards.uk/about-us/our-community/2024/september-23-international-day-of-sign-language/
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