Deaf Awareness Week 2026

One in six people in the UK experience deafness and hearing loss. This hearing loss also can sometimes lead to withdrawal from social situations, emotional distress or loneliness. Overcoming these challenges can look different to each individual and can involve hearing therapy, lipreading classes and learning sign language.

Why we’re using D/deaf on this page

This page uses the terms D/deaf and hard of hearing, 

Deaf with a capital ‘D’ describes people who identify as culturally Deaf and actively engage with the Deaf community.

Deaf with a lowercase ‘d’ refers to the physical condition of hearing loss. Some people prefer to use the term ‘deaf’ if, for example, they don’t have a strong connection to the Deaf Community. 

There are many different reasons why a person may choose to identify themselves as ‘Deaf’ or ‘deaf’, and so throughout this article, we will use D/deaf. 

Deaf Awareness Week 2026

Deaf Awareness Week is a national event celebrating the D/deaf Community and its cultures, languages and sign languages. It aims to raise awareness of deafness and hearing loss, faced by one in six people in the UK, and highlight the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

Deaf Awareness Week reminds us of the barriers that people who are deaf and those with hearing loss face in society and the isolation that D/deaf people can occasionally experience. 

It helps people better to understand the impact of communication barriers for D/deaf people and promotes the importance of British Sign Language and lip-reading.

Most importantly, it is an opportunity to reflect on our role in ensuring D/deaf people are involved and supported.

Learn more about hearing and hearing loss

Get involved in Deaf Awareness Week

Below are various resources and guidance to help you to engage with and support those with deafness and hearing loss. 

Steps you can take to support those with deafness or hearing loss

We all can make adjustments to support those who are deaf or hard of hearing. We’ve collated information and educational materials below.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) works with communities and partners to provide support and raise awareness of the challenges that D/deaf people can face. 

• Read more from the RNID on how to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.
• Take a look at these tips on making meetings more accessible and inclusive for D/deaf people and those with hearing loss.
• Lipreading is a communication skill that many deaf or hard of hearing people use. Learn more about what it’s like to read lips and how you can learn to lipread (PDF, 315KB).

Support deaf colleagues in the workplace

Ask what helps

We all have our preferred methods of communication. Some D/deaf and hard of hearing people use combined methods like hearing aids and lipreading. When communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing, ask them how they prefer to communicate and what you can do to help.

An open conversation

When communicating with a D/deaf person, it is important to maintain eye contact, use clear and concise language, and avoid speaking too quickly. Being patient and willing to repeat or rephrase information as needed is also helpful. Open conversations and being mindful of the person’s communication preferences can help create a positive and supportive environment.

Peer support

The Deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus peer support group

To join the group and be added to the mailing list, email Alison Riley at a.h.riley@sheffield.ac.uk.

The Disability Staff Network (DSN)

The DSN organises meetings and events, undertakes research, and campaigns at all levels to promote the interests of disabled staff at the University of Sheffield. University staff can join the DSN to be added to the mailing list to receive news, updates and information on DSN's current work and upcoming events.

Adapt a personal device

Read the how-to guides from AbilityNet on how to adapt a device to your needs.

Hearing Research Group 

The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, 2.5 billion people will be affected by hearing loss. Despite the clinical prevalence, there are no available treatments to cure deafness. 

The University’s Hearing Research Group brings together leading experts in physiology, genetics, developmental biology, stem cell biology and computational neuroscience to understand the auditory system better and develop therapeutic interventions for hearing loss.

The laboratory is committed to researching how the auditory organ develops, works and deteriorates. In addition to this, they are looking at therapeutic approaches to restore hearing function. They work tirelessly so that people that have deafness can live without any limitations and have a better quality of life.

Learn more about the work of the Hearing Research Group

Further learning and development resources 

• Introduction to Deaf Awareness course (National Deaf Children’s Society)
• Tips for good communication with D/deaf people (Deaf Umbrella TV)
• Free British Sign Language course (Doncaster Deaf Trust)