Deaf awareness

At least 12 million adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss. Over the last year, two thirds of our communities have experienced negative attitudes from others. We can all play our part to be more deaf aware, both at work and in daily life.

If you are deaf or have hearing loss, we have some tips you can use to help people better understand your communication needs.

Becoming deaf aware

Communication tips

Invite everyone to the conversation! These communication tips are shared from people with lived experience.

Being more deaf aware at work

As an employer, colleague or friend, help to make your workplace more accessible with these tips and training opportunities.

Learn British Sign Language

There are thousands of people in the UK who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language – why not have a go?

Fundraise and raise awareness

Help change public perceptions and misconceptions around deafness and hearing loss by raising awareness and supporting RNID.

Make your venue accessible

If you run an in-person business, like a shop, restaurant or gym, we have some ways you can make your site accessible to people who are deaf or have hearing loss.

‘It does matter’

Our new research reveals the impact negative public attitudes on people who are deaf people or have hearing loss. Invite everyone into the conversation with our communication tips.

Sign up to our communication tips

Communication tools for people with hearing loss

If hearing loss is new to you then these tips are designed to make people aware and your preferred communication style.

Tips for people with hearing loss

Here are some ways you can get hearing people onboard with your communication needs and style.

Create a communication card

Make and download your own communication card to share your communication needs with hearing people.

Help us fight the stigma

“I really hope … we can relate to each other by our similarities rather than our differences” – Rachel. We ensure that deaf people can access the support they need in a hearing world. Just £5 covers an enquiry made to Contact RNID.

Donate to RNID

Stay informed

One of the best ways to stay inclusive is to stay informed of what’s going on in the world for deaf people and those with hearing loss. Sign up to our newsletter for news and stories on developments in politics and campaigning, research and support opportunities.