Deaf Awareness Week is about raising awareness and challenging perceptions of hearing loss and deafness across the UK and also promoting the positive aspects of deafness and social inclusion. It aims to raise awareness of deaf issues for everyone, including people and organisations who may work, live, or interact with deaf or hard of hearing people.2020’s theme is acquired deafness.
Before lockdown many events were planned to be held nationwide during the week, which involved learning the impact of language barriers on deaf people, learning and understanding basic British Sign Language, lip-reading and also the availability of different specialist equipment – from hearing aids, fire alarms, alerters, flashing doorbells etc.
Most importantly, deaf awareness is about understanding and helping the person that is deaf – making he or she feel involved, and Deaf Awareness Week is a great chance to make people aware of the support available to them and the various organisations that offer support. But for now, this year, at least, information can be found online on the websites listed below this article.
Maybe you would like to learn British Sign Language (BSL), or learn how to communicate effectively with a deaf person? There are some organisations that are offering this as a free service due to the current climate, where previously payments were required, but places are limited, so be quick! Or maybe you would just like to get involved in some of the future events taking place or would like to be notified of any future social events. Maybe your child is deaf and as a hearing parent you don’t know where to turn to receive the support that you need towards their education or development.
Deaf Awareness Week yearly events are supported nationally by more than 100 Charities and organisations, and is a great chance to learn, improve skills and get involved, whether you are a complete novice or an experienced professional looking at expanding your knowledge, or a deaf or hard of hearing person.
Some examples of support and information that can be provided and found online are -
• Health and Social Care – information referrals and support
• Employment Support
• Ensure people have the accessible information they need
• Provide information on relevant organistions – Sheffield Deaf Advice Team, and Action on Hearing Loss, to name but a few.
• Information and location of BSL and Lip reading courses
• Performances
• Basic BSL taster sessions
To help you to better support deaf people, we have produced some helpful posters to encourage you to raise awareness and play an active role in supporting and including deaf people in whatever you do: 1 Guide to Deaf Awareness 2 BSL Greetings Poster 3 BSL Finger Spelling Poster
For more information on both Deafness and Deaf Awareness Week, visit:
