Deaf, not silent

Deafness is often misunderstood as silence, a complete disconnection from communication. But being deaf does not mean being silent or unwilling to connect. In reality, deaf people communicate in rich, expressive ways and deserve the same level of inclusion and engagement as anyone else. Unfortunately, in day-to-day life, many deaf individuals are met with hesitation, avoidance, or silence.  This is not from lack of care, but lack of confidence or knowledge on the part of hearing people.

It’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to be a trained British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to communicate with a deaf person.

Silent Sounds offers Deaf Awareness Training

Our in-house specialist Deaf Services team sets us apart from other interpreting and translation providers in the industry. We offer Deaf Awareness Training specifically tailored for the healthcare sector, delivered by a deaf professional. This approach ensures that participants gain a deeper understanding of deaf culture and communication from an authentic, lived perspective providing valuable insight that goes beyond textbook learning.

The human need for connection

Everyone, regardless of hearing ability, needs communication and connection. But when hearing individuals avoid interacting with deaf people because they’re unsure how, the result is often unintentional exclusion. This can leave deaf individuals feeling isolated, particularly in public spaces, workplaces, or healthcare settings where communication can be critical.

Top tips for communicating with a deaf person

You might not be fluent in BSL, but there are simple, effective ways you can make communication with a deaf person more inclusive:

Speak clearly and face-to-face. The majority of deaf people rely on lipreading. By facing someone directly, limiting movement when you speak naturally, and keeping your mouth visible, you make it easier for them to follow along.

Be guided by the deaf person.  Allow the deaf person to decide how they would like to communicate. They may choose communication tools like pointing, writing something down, or showing an image to get their message across quickly.

Stay open, patient, and respectful. Even if things aren’t perfect, showing a willingness to engage means a lot.

Everyone can learn the BSL alphabet

If everyone took the time to learn just the BSL fingerspelling alphabet, it would open up more inclusive opportunities for everyday interactions. Spelling out names or key words can make a big difference in all settings.

Inclusion starts with awareness

Whether you’re learning to fingerspell, choosing to speak face-to-face, using SSE (Sign Supported English) or supporting the use of professional BSL interpreters, every step counts. Deaf people are not silent. They are full participants in society who deserve to be engaged with, understood, and included.

By taking full advantage of our Deaf Awareness Training, we can close the communication gap and build a more welcoming and inclusive society.

Are you interested in our dedicated Deaf Awareness Training workshop?  Contact the team today! info@silent-sounds.co.uk