Deaf Awareness Week 2025: Beyond Silence

Deaf Awareness Week 2025: Understanding, Inclusion & Empowerment

At Sarabec, we're proud to support Deaf Awareness Week 2025, which takes place from 5th to 11th May. This years’ powerful theme "Beyond Silence", emphasises the importance of understanding and embracing the diverse experiences, identities, and contributions of Deaf individuals in society.

Did you know?  There are at least 12 million people in the UK experiencing some level of hearing loss. At Sarabec, we hope to raise awareness, break down communication barriers, and encourage accessibility in everyday life to help promote better communication, inclusion, and understanding of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. We aim to support the daily lives of deaf people or those affected by hearing loss both during their work and in their everyday lives.

This years’ powerful theme encourages a deeper appreciation of the various ways Deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate. This includes British Sign Language (BSL), lip-reading, written communication, and assistive technologies. It also highlights the need to address social, cultural, and professional barriers that many Deaf individuals face, advocating for improved accessibility and inclusivity. ​

How You Can Get Involved

1. Learn British Sign Language (BSL): Enhance your communication skills and connect more effectively with the Deaf community.
2. Promote Deaf Awareness in the Workplace: Encourage inclusive practices and provide resources to support Deaf employees.
3. Support Deaf-Owned Businesses: Contribute to the economic empowerment of the Deaf community by supporting Deaf entrepreneurs.
4. Participate in Events: Join workshops, seminars, and cultural celebrations that highlight Deaf culture and achievements.​

Sarabec's Commitment

At Sarabec, we are dedicated to supporting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by providing a range of assistive listening devices and alerting systems. Our products are designed to enhance daily living and promote independence.​

Assistive Technology: Helping to Bridge the Gap

At Sarabec, we offer a range of assistive devices for people with hearing loss, including:

• Visual and vibrating alert systems for the home
• Deaf-friendly doorbells with flashing lights
• Loud and vibrating alarm clocks
• Hearing loop systems for better sound clarity in public, at home, or group environments

Join Us in Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week

Deaf Awareness Week is an opportunity for everyone to reflect, learn, and take action. By promoting BSL learning, improving workplace accessibility, and fostering more inclusive public spaces, we can build a society where Deaf people are truly heard, valued, and empowered. ​

Why Deaf Awareness Matters

Deaf Awareness is about more than recognising hearing loss - it's about promoting inclusion, empathy, and better communication for everyone. Around 1 in 6 people in the UK live with some form of hearing loss, yet many still face barriers in everyday situations. By increasing awareness, we can reduce stigma, improve accessibility, and ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals feel understood and respected.

Raising awareness also supports early diagnosis, encourages hearing health education, and shines a light on the vital importance of British Sign Language (BSL) and other communication methods used by the Deaf community.

Common Misconceptions About Hearing Loss

There are many myths surrounding hearing loss that can unintentionally lead to exclusion or frustration. Here are a few common misconceptions:

“Hearing aids fix everything.”
While helpful, hearing aids don’t restore normal hearing - they amplify sound, which can still be unclear in noisy environments.

“All Deaf people use sign language.”
Not all Deaf or hard of hearing individuals use BSL. Communication methods vary widely - some rely on lip-reading, others on written notes, hearing technology, or speech.

“If someone doesn’t respond, they’re being rude.”
It’s often simply a matter of not hearing or processing speech, especially in loud or busy places.

Dispelling these myths helps foster better communication and more compassionate interactions.

Communication Tips for Hard of Hearing

How can you support the deaf community? Supporting the Deaf community doesn't require specialist skills - just a little awareness and willingness to adapt. Here are simple but impactful ways to be supportive:

1. Face the person directly – Maintain eye contact and don’t turn away while speaking.
2. Speak clearly, not loudly – Enunciate your words naturally without shouting or exaggerating.
3. Reduce background noise – Turn off TVs, music, or fans where possible.
4. Use gestures and facial expressions – These can help reinforce your message.
5. Get their attention first – Wave, tap gently on the shoulder, or flick a light on/off before speaking.
6. Ensure your mouth is visible – Don’t cover your mouth or chew gum while talking.
7. Rephrase if necessary – If something isn't understood, try saying it a different way.
8. Write things down – Use pen and paper or a phone when verbal communication is unclear.
9. Use visual aids – Pointing, showing objects, or drawing can all help.
10. Be patient and respectful – Communication may take a bit longer; that’s okay.
11. Learn basic British Sign Language (BSL) – Even just a few phrases like “hello” and “thank you” can make someone feel welcome.
12. Be an advocate for accessibility – Encourage the use of captions on videos, hearing loops in public spaces, and visual alerting devices at home and work.
13. Share Deaf Awareness resources – Help spread knowledge through schools, workplaces, or social media.
14. Support Deaf-owned businesses and artists – This uplifts the community economically and culturally.

By embracing inclusive practices, we can create a more understanding, accessible world for everyone. Deaf Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can all play a role in making communication more inclusive. Whether through learning sign language, improving accessibility at work, or simply showing more patience in conversation, every small step counts. Let’s work together to ensure no one is left out of the conversation.

Ready to support Deaf Awareness?

Explore our full range of assistive hearing products here and share this blog to spread awareness.