Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May) is a chance to learn more about deafness, hearing loss and how we can all communicate more kindly and confidently.

The 2026 theme is ‘Right to understand – together, we break barriers’, focusing on creating a more inclusive society, improving accessibility, and educating the public. Some children and young people are deaf or have hearing loss, and some families include parents or carers who are deaf. Deaf people use lots of different ways to communicate, including spoken language, British Sign Language (BSL), signs, lip‑reading and technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Small changes like facing someone when you speak, using clear language, being patient, and asking what helps, can all make a big difference. By understanding deafness and celebrating different ways of communicating, we can help make schools, services and communities more inclusive and supportive for everyone. You can find more information here:

• What is deafness and hearing loss? Hearing loss – NHS
• Support for deaf children and young people: Deaf Awareness Week 2026 | National Deaf Children’s Society
• Support for deaf parents and families: RNID – National hearing loss charity and Deaf Awareness Week – British Deaf Association