Deaf Unity: a united deaf community
- Borough: London-wide
- Organisation: Deaf Unity
- Topics: civil society, community life
Who we are
A community supports each other, lifts each other up and looks after one another, otherwise it can’t survive. It is especially important that we do this as deaf people, as we are often shut out of networks, sharing and learning opportunities that other people can take advantage of.
As an organisation, we are growing and building momentum, understanding the landscape and what the needs of the community are.
Deaf Unity works hard to be part of a strong, healthy, united community across London, and to break down barriers to success for deaf people so they can fully contribute to their community and to wider society.
How we build community strength
Our film shows how we offer welcoming and accessible opportunities to come together.
These build communities, bridge the hearing and deaf worlds and establish opportunities for connections to be made that will last.
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Community support to empower
Deaf Unity understands that deaf people are shut out of and robbed of information and support that is provided to their hearing peers. We focus on critical points of transition: leaving school, leaving Further or Higher Education and going into the workforce, and ensuring meaningful employment and upward mobility.
Through engagement, information and guidance, we provide support to empower, inform and upskill deaf people so they feel a sense of agency to make informed choices, knowing there is a community of people behind them when they need it.
The changes we would like to see
From our own community engagement and from research into the community, we understand that a major support to those in employment is the Access to Work Scheme. This provides funding to secure access in work, such as sign language interpreters, lip speakers and specialist equipment. Whilst fantastic, it does not provide funding to those who are volunteering.
Hearing people often build their CVs, gain skills, get their foot in the door through volunteering opportunities, but deaf people are shut out, creating a systemic barrier to us from starting on our career paths.
In the meantime, it would be good to see private employers, local authorities and councils to step in and provide support until the wider system can be changed.
Find out more
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Deaf Unity you can get in touch at [email protected]
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