Major new research from charity RNID has revealed the negative attitudes and behaviours that deaf people and people with hearing loss experience on a regular basis.
The research of 8,151 people found that more than a quarter (27%) of deaf people and people with hearing loss are ignored by most people in public settings.
More than two thirds (67%) told us they have experienced negative attitudes or behaviours in the last year, and almost half (48%) said they also experience this from their own family members.
54% said people tell them ‘It doesn’t matter’ when they struggle to understand, which we know can make people feel like they don’t matter. 47% have experienced people shouting at them.
The impact of this can be huge: people tell us they feel excluded, lonely, and disrespected. Often these experiences cause people to withdraw, to avoid others, and even hide that they are deaf or have hearing loss.
We want people across the UK to stand with us and say that the way deaf people and people with hearing loss are treated really does matter. We know the public want to help, so we’re urging people to follow our three simple tips to be more inclusive, and learn some simple BSL phrases for everyday conversation.
The National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the support available to parents of deaf children in Wales, as part of Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, many families can be unsure where to go for support or what being deaf means for their child’s future. Parents who are deaf may also not always know where to go to for support when they are told their child is deaf.
The National Deaf Children’s Society asked the parents of deaf children from across the UK to share the emotions they experienced after being told their child is deaf. The charity also asked deaf young people to share their deaf awareness tips, in the hope of helping other families new to deafness.
Gladiators star Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, shared her top tips to help deaf children and young people smash through the barriers which some regularly face:
The hit show’s first deaf Gladiator said: “For me, the most useful tip has to be honesty. Just by being very open and honest and being vulnerable in those moments where you may be misunderstanding or feeling isolated at times, is huge.
“Not only does it help your confidence, but it raises awareness to the people around you so that they are able to understand and support where they can.”
“Be brave and just go for it, whether it’s a new sport or a challenge that may feel a bit scary, you never know what is around the corner and your deafness certainly shouldn’t to be the reason to hold you back.”
Lorraine, from Motherwell, whose 18-year-old daughter Kara is profoundly deaf, urges parents of deaf children to join a local support group and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
She said: “We didn’t know about support groups or the National Deaf Children’s Society so I wish we’d known more about the support out there and that there’s people you can talk to. This is a big thing when your child is first identified as deaf – especially being able to speak to the parents of other deaf children.”
Lorraine also recommends all parents of deaf children learn British Sign Language. She said: “We were advised by professionals not to learn sign language as it would stop Kara from talking. But in hindsight I wish we’d learned BSL as it would have boosted Kara’s deaf identity.”
When asked what the most helpful piece of advice was after finding out Kara is deaf, Lorraine replied: “To join the National Deaf Children’s Society for more information and the community.
“We went on a weekend for newly identified deaf children and it was fantastic because of all the information we found out and the support that NDCS provided us with. Kara was a young deaf campaigner for the NDCS and she’s now making deaf awareness videos for the BBC.”
Lorraine’s top tip during Deaf Awareness Week is to make sure a deaf person can see you when you’re talking to them. She said: “Make sure you keep your hands away from your mouth and don’t shout through walls. It’s vital deaf people can read your lips, to see what’s being said.”
Victoria, a parent from Aberdeen concedes she knew “nothing” about deafness when she was first told that her son Lewis is deaf.
She said: “That is the scariest part and I panicked. I felt ignorant about deafness, and I wish I had known more.
“But don’t panic as there’s so much support out there and a whole community who will help you with any questions, situations and they provide fantastic help and guidance.
“Speak to as many parents about their experiences and engage with the National Deaf Children’s Society.”
Victoria admitted she cannot remember anything useful from the first four weeks after she was told Lewis is deaf, as she was still coming to terms with what this would mean for her son.
“Then I went to Aberdeen School for Deaf Coffee morning, I cried as they were so kind and lovely. there were people signing and this is when I realised this would be our new journey.
“There were older children who showed that their deafness wasn’t holding them back, it was at this point I knew it would all be ok.”
Lewis is now aged five, attends a mainstream school and he has worn bilateral cochlear implants since he was 15 months old.
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland with the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Many parents tell us they knew very little, or nothing at all, about deafness before they had a deaf child. So, it’s hardly surprising that these parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold for their children.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.”
This May we celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
Did you know that nine out of ten deaf children are born to hearing parents? A great many parents tell us they knew very little or even nothing at all about deafness before they had a deaf child.
So it’s hardly surprising that many such parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold.
The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.
We’re here for you. We can provide support for all of you who are new to the journey, through our extensive resources – from our Helpline, 0808 800 8880, and our wealth of expertise, right through to the friendship and reassurance of our fantastic community.
It is Deaf Awareness Week (1-7 May 2023) and RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus are calling on everyone to be deaf aware!
People who are deaf or have hearing loss have individual communication needs and you should ask how best you can communicate with them. RNID is encouraging people to use E.A.R. to help them remember simple tips they can use to make communication easier:
· Environment – reduce background noise or move to a quieter area. And make sure the room is well lit if the person relies on lipreading.
· Attention – use simple gestures such as pointing, waving or a light tap on the shoulder to get someone’s attention. Face the person you’re speaking to so they can lipread, and speak to them, not their interpreter or anyone else with them.
· Repeat and rephrase – if someone doesn’t understand you, try repeating what you said or rephrasing it in a different way. If this doesn’t work, you could write it down, or speak to a friend or relative if they ask you to.
Following E.A.R. can make the difference between your friend, family or colleague being part of the conversation or left struggling on the side-lines.
For support or information, please visit rnid.org.uk
Tickets are now available for the special whisky experience with support from Deaf Action
To mark Deaf Awareness Week (1-7 May 2023), Johnnie Walker Princes St, Edinburgh’s Five Star Whisky Attraction, has created a new edition of one of its most popular whisky tasting experiences, with assistance from British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters from Deaf Action.
Taking place on May 5 2023, guests will enjoy a specially curated 90-minute tasting led by a whisky specialist, alongside a BSL interpreter with the support of Deaf Action. The Whisky Explorers: British Sign Language Editionwill offer those using BSL a chance to enjoy a specially curated sensory experience at the venue, which was recently named the Best Whisky Experience in the World by Whisky Magazine.
Guests will be taken on a 90-minute exploration of Scotland’s liquid landscape, sampling a stunning collection of drams from iconic regions including Islay, the Highlands and Speyside. They will also have the opportunity to savour a very special Lowland grain whisky, exclusive to Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Building an inclusive and modern visitor experience has been a core focus of Johnnie Walker Princes Street from its inception, and this new experience is the start of regular opportunities for the deaf community created by the team. The business worked with Euan’s Guide to ensure the building and its various experiences are fully accessible, and the venue is fitted with an induction loop system for those who use hearing aids.
This new tutored tasting which is due to be rolled out throughout the year, is another stride forward for the world-renowned experience’s inclusivity goals. Johnnie Walker has worked closely with Deaf Action and a native BSL using consultant to ensure the experience is tailored to the needs of deaf BSL users and those hard of hearing.
Tony Bradford, Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience team, said:“We have worked closely with groups and charity organisations since before our doors were even open to ensure we are as accessible and welcoming to all communities.
“From offering complimentary tickets for carers, as well as the installation of our ground floor Changing Places toilet, we pride ourselves on being able to cater for guests who may have different access requirements.
“It’s been brilliant working with the Deaf Action team to create this bespoke, top-notch whisky experience for those using BSL. No stone has been left unturned in our planning for the Whisky Explorers: British Sign language Edition, and we look forward to continuing our journey to ensure Johnnie Walker Princes Street can be enjoyed by all.”
Lauren McAnna, Community Services Manager at Deaf Action, said:“In today’s world, businesses must be aware of the various markets they are catering for, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street have done just that by developing its Whisky Explorers: British Sign language Edition.
“The commitment from the team to making this the best experience possible for those using BSL, has been extremely heartening, and we look forward to continuing the relationship and creating more experiences for deaf and hard of hearing groups going forward.”
Tickets will include 10% off other retail purchases of up to £250 as well as for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply). To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till.
For more information and to book an experience, please visit:
