Deaf Awareness Month: Deaf Village Calls for Greater Understanding and Accessibility

To mark Deaf Awareness Month this September, Deaf Village is calling on individuals, businesses and public services to improve their understanding of Deaf awareness.

Despite growing conversations around inclusion, many Deaf people still experience communication barriers in workplaces, education, healthcare and everyday services. Poor Deaf awareness can leave people feeling excluded, ignored or unable to access important information.

Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight how much still needs to change. Deaf people should not have to repeatedly fight for access or explain their communication needs.

Simple actions Such as facing the person, not covering your mouth, providing written information and booking qualified BSL interpreters can make a real difference.

Deaf awareness is more than knowing someone is Deaf. It means respecting Deaf culture, recognising British Sign Language and asking each person how they prefer to communicate.

Deaf Village is encouraging organisations to use Deaf Awareness Month to review their accessibility, provide Deaf awareness training and listen directly to Deaf people.

However, accessibility must continue beyond September. Deaf inclusion should be part of everyday practice throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.deafvillage.org