08/05/2026
As Deaf Awareness Week in the UK comes to a close, campaigners are reminding public bodies that accessibility should not be treated as an afterthought.
This year’s theme, “Beyond the Silence,” focuses on breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, celebrating the diverse ways Deaf people communicate, and highlighting the richness of Deaf culture.
In Cardiff, the British Deaf Association Wales is continuing its push for better inclusion of British Sign Language (BSL) across public services. Campaigners say access to information in BSL remains inconsistent, leaving many deaf people struggling to access essential services.
Martin Griffith says communication barriers continue to affect deaf people in everyday situations, especially when accessing healthcare and other vital public services. He says many of these challenges could be avoided if qualified BSL interpreters were readily available when needed.
For many deaf people, inclusion is not just about awareness campaigns or symbolic gestures, it’s about equal access, independence, and being able to communicate without barriers. Campaigners hope Deaf Awareness Week will inspire long-term action towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society for everyone.