Let's talk about Deaf Awareness Week
Taking place from 2 to 8 May, Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event that celebrates the D/deaf community and raises awareness about the challenges that they face.
Read on to learn more about why we celebrate Deaf Awareness Week and find resources for staff.
Deaf Awareness Week is an important time to recognise and celebrate the diversity within the D/deaf community, including those who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, or have other hearing impairments. It's a time to learn about the experiences and perspectives of D/deaf individuals and to consider how we can make our communities more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Read personal reflections from our community
Learn more about using the right language and the experience of using a hearing aid through the personal reflections of a Warwick student and staff member, available on our Let's Talk about Disability Deaf Awareness web pagLink opens in a new windowe.
Find support for staff with the My Adjustment Passport
Do you have a disability or health condition or need temporary support to help you at work? If the answer is yes, then the My Adjustment Passport (MAP) for staff at Warwick can help you.
MAP is a tool that empowers you to have a meaningful conversation with your manager and other colleagues about your disability. It can help you make changes to your work environment so that you can perform at your best.
Adjustments may include changing the physical environment (eg. rearranging the layout of a work area) or changing working arrangements (working hours or break times etc.). It may also include doing things differently (eg. developing new ways to provide information) or providing equipment and support (assistive software or specialist support such as a sign language interpreter etc.).
The My Adjustment Passport formLink opens in a new window is divided into two main parts, assessment of needs and workplace adjustments. You'll also find space to review adjustments and guidance on what to do before, during and after your MAP meetings.
Go to the My Adjustment Passport (MAP) web pageLink opens in a new window to learn more. You can also read the experiences of staff in these case studiesLink opens in a new window.
Find support for students
There is a range of services offered at Warwick to support D/deaf students based on their individual needs. This can include adjustments to examination arrangements, assistance with applying for Disabled Student Allowances, practical support such as note-taking, and other specialist one-to-one support.
Visit our Wellbeing and Student Support web pagesLink opens in a new window to learn more.
Check your hearing in three minutes
You can check your hearing online with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)Link opens in a new window in under three minutes. The test is for anyone aged over 18 who has not been diagnosed with hearing loss.
Get involved with Warwick Arts Centre
Did you know Warwick Arts Centre offer BSL interpreted shows and captioned films?
For any shows that are BSL Interpreted, a professional signer is on stage. Events will have information on where that interpreter is located to allow bookers to choose the seats with the best visibility. You can also watch this video to find out more about captioned cinemaLink opens in a new window.
Here’s a list of their upcoming BSL-interpreted shows:
- Wuthering Heights on 17 May at 7.30pm
- The Smeds and The Smoos on 1 June at 11am
- The Gruffalo on 16 December at 10.30am
Read more about accessibility at Warwick Arts CentreLink opens in a new window and what they're doing to make their events and screenings accessible to the D/deaf and hard-of-hearing communityLink opens in a new window.
Communication tips from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
Learning how to communicate with people who are D/deaf or have hearing loss plays a big part in helping people to feel seen, heard and involved.
People who are D/deaf or have hearing loss have individual communication needs, and you should ask someone how best you can communicate with them. Not every tip below will be appropriate for everyone who is D/deaf or has hearing loss.
Re-phrase what you said
If someone doesn't understand you, repeat what you said or phrase it differently. Use plain language.
Face the person you're speaking to
Make sure you are facing the person you are talking to and speak clearly – avoid shouting, speaking too fast or unnecessarily slow.
Use an interpreter
You should always follow the advice of the person with communication needs, whether booking an interpreter or speaking to a friend or relative.
Write it down
Use pen on paper, text on device screens, or whiteboards to write what you want to say.
Get their full attention
Use simple gestures such as pointing or waving to get someone's attention.
Reduce background noise
In a noisy place, move to a quieter area if possible.
Visit the RNID websiteLink opens in a new window to find more communications tips, including how to make your meetings D/deaf awareLink opens in a new window and talking about hearing loss at workLink opens in a new window.
Further information
You can find further information about disability support and the work of our Disability Task Force on our Social Inclusion web pagesLink opens in a new window.