We are celebrating Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May 2026) with a campaign of social media activity.
For 87,000 people in the UK, British Sign Language is their primary language. This year’s theme is ‘Right to understand – Together, we break barriers.’ Join us in helping to increase accessibility.
To begin our campaign, Deaf Social Care Assistant, Carmel is keen to share some of the differences between Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL). Here is the link to view Cathy and Carmel’s video on YouTube.
ISL while distinct from BSL, has evolved over centuries with its own grammar, signs, and cultural customs. ISL is used by around 1,500 Deaf people in Northern Ireland, and more widely across Ireland. Both languages are central to many in the Deaf community. Thank you Carmel and to Deaf Community Coordinator, Cathy, for demonstrating.
We’re also helping to break barriers together during Deaf Awareness Week, sharing facts on Deaf History. Do you whose mother Princess Alice of Battenberg was? Born deaf, this heroine made a lasting impact on history, saving many lives in World War II.
To help staff at our charity improve their Deaf awareness, Cathy, Deaf Community Officer has been hosting lunch and learn sessions at our Head Office. Here is the link to Cathy’s YouTube video introducing staff to a range of topics on Deaf culture – from improving our communication to learning about Deaf history. Then we are wrapping up Deaf Awareness Week with our final post on Deaf history.
A great way to become more Deaf Aware is to start learning sign language. Signature is the leading awarding organisation for Sign Language qualifications. If you would like to find out about courses in your area visit their website today to get started at: www.signature.org.uk
To find out more about the Deaf services and support we can provide, please visit Deaf – Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey
