Deaf Awareness Week: Promoting understanding and inclusion
Deaf Awareness Week, observed annually in May, is an important campaign aimed at promoting greater understanding and inclusion of the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Organised by various organisations across the UK, the week provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Deaf individuals, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and advocate for more accessible communication and services.
The theme for Deaf Awareness Week often changes each year, focusing on topics such as early detection of hearing loss, accessible education, or inclusion in the workplace. A key message of the campaign is the recognition of diversity within the Deaf community - ranging from those who use British Sign Language (BSL) to individuals who rely on hearing aids, cochlear implants, or lip-reading. Public events, social media campaigns, and educational workshops are held throughout the week to encourage people to learn basic BSL, support Deaf-led organisations, and become more aware of inclusive communication practices. Schools and workplaces also take this opportunity to review their accessibility measures and promote empathy and allyship.
This year, Moray Council is proud to highlight its British Sign Language (BSL) Plan, which sets out how the council will support and promote BSL across local services and public life. A BSL version of the plan is currently in production.
By supporting Deaf Awareness Week, individuals and institutions help create a more inclusive society, one where Deaf people are not only seen and heard, but truly understood.