Providing training and insight to businesses and organisations in order to combat ignorance and lack of understanding of deafness and the lives of deaf people.

“Deaf people can do anything apart from hear” – a powerful quote that, as if it should be needed, highlights the evident lack of confidence and knowledge that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can, and should, be employed to do the same jobs as a fully ‘able-bodied’ person. Employers and recruiters may have woken up to grappling equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as supporting value for staff, but how many actually understand, action it and have, or would even consider, deaf employees?

Our existence is primarily to provide training and insight to businesses and organisations in order to combat ignorance and lack of understanding of deafness and the lives of deaf people. Able’s Be The Difference campaign is a great way to work with signed up employers and feature those businesses who undergo our training to be featured and have the option to join the cause.

Imagine being able to do a job but unable to necessarily communicate effectively because the person you’re convincing can’t understand your language (sign). Why would someone not be able to use, type on or design something on a computer, make a meal or fix something or plan a strategy or event just because they are deaf or hard of hearing? Yes, it can affect balance and communication but they remain human beings with exceptional and individual skills that can be utilised to help improve businesses.

We look to identify gaps and downfalls within businesses and organisations – be it during the recruitment process or somewhere that currently has staff who are deaf or hard of hearing – where there is a lack of understanding, knowledge or support. With an estimated 9 million people in the UK who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HoH), it’s more important than ever to ensure talent is recognised regardless of disability.

With experience in the deaf arena and prior work in providing social support to the LGBT community, we are excited to help improve workplaces for deaf people and highlight opportunities for businesses to attract and welcome people who are deaf or hard of hearing. We will work with partners from all across the UK to ensure that we can make an impact, with a focus on the North West.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/2Prd0xp

Twitter: www.twitter.com/deafequalityuk