The world’s oldest deaf charity is inviting the public to visit its Albany Street home during International Week of Deaf People and Doors Open Days
Deaf Action is inviting people across Edinburgh to visit its Albany Street home this September, with a community coffee morning and a weekend of free tours offering a chance to learn more about the city’s deaf history.
Founded in Edinburgh in 1835, Deaf Action is the world’s oldest deaf charity.
To mark International Week of Deaf People, the charity will hold a free community coffee morning in its Blackwood Café & Bar on Thursday 24 September, from 10am to 12pm.
The morning is open to everyone, whether deaf or hearing, BSL users or non-signers. People can drop in at any point for free tea, coffee and biscuits, meet Deaf Action staff and members of the deaf community, and find out more about Deaf Action and the deaf community. Visitors are also encouraged to wear blue on the day, although this is optional.
Deaf Action will then take part in Doors Open Days on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, opening the building to the public from 12pm to 5pm.
Free guided tours will run on the hour in BSL and English, giving visitors a look around the Albany Street building before finishing in the Scottish Deaf Archives.
The archive, cared for by Deaf History Scotland, holds over 200 years of documents, photographs and objects recording deaf life and history in Edinburgh and Scotland.
Visitors will be able to see historic robes and hymn books from the Albany Deaf Church Choir, photographs of deaf clubs, groups and community life, and a replica of Deaf Action’s founding constitution, generously shared for this event by the National Library of Scotland, where the original document is held.
Philip Gerrard MBE, Chief Executive of Deaf Action, said: “Deaf people have been part of Edinburgh’s story for generations, and we have a wonderful collection that helps tell some of that history.
“We want people to come in, meet us and have a look around. You don’t need to know BSL or have any previous connection with Deaf Action. Everyone is welcome.”
Doors Open Days visitors will also receive 10% off at Blackwood Café & Bar during their visit.
Coffee Morning: Thursday 24 September, 10am–12pm. Free, no booking required.
Doors Open Days: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 12pm–5pm. Tours at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Free, no booking required.
Location: Deaf Action, 49 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3QY.
