Deaf Awareness Week (1 - 7 May 2023) is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf community. This year's theme is 'Access to Communication', highlighting the need for breaking down the communication barriers that prevent deaf people from fully participating in society.

Every deaf person is different. Levels of hearing loss, communication methods, and use of hearing technology can vary widely. It’s important to remember this and find out what everyone’s individual needs are, so that you can be as inclusive as possible, in whatever you are doing together.

Talking to your deaf friends

The National Deaf Children's Society recommend these top tips for communicating with your deaf friends: 

1. Get their attention. Try waving or tapping their shoulder.
2. Speak normally. Not too slowly or too loudly.
3. Face them when you talk. Make sure they can see your mouth.
4. Use your hands. Point at what you’re talking about.
5. Keep trying! Try texting on your phone or writing a message down. 

Being more deaf-friendly

Whether you’re a friend, relative or you work with deaf people, there’s lots of simple things you can do to be more deaf-friendly. Check out the video below to find out how.

Share your story

If you want to get involved with Deaf Awareness Week, share your activity on social media using the hashtags #lnclusionDeafness and #MyDeafStory.

Further resources

Disability at USW - to explore the resources and help available for deaf students at USW
British Deaf Association - for help understanding British Sign Language.
Royal Association for Deaf People  - for resources for deaf people, families and professionals and access to the RAD Wellbeing live chat. 
National Deaf Children's Society Youtube Channel - for simple British Sign Language tips and vlogs from deaf young people.

Deaf Awareness Guide from USW Library