How to be a deaf ally? 

Who is an ally? 

An ally is someone who is not a member of a marginalised group, but wants to support or take action to help others in that group. An ally provides solidarity and acts in partnership with people with lived-experience. Alongside the community, an ally can challenge unequal systems and support equal rights and access, so that we can all thrive!  

How to become a deaf ally?  

Recognise communication barriers 

Deaf people may have different communication preferences. If adjustments aren’t made, basic communication barriers might make it difficult to engage with services, businesses, healthcare, etc.  Here are some everyday examples we experience.  

Example 1

Example 2

Find out more about deaf awareness 

There are lots of top tips and resources available for becoming more deaf aware.  Have a search!  

• Find out about the dinner table syndrome and ways to include deaf people in conversations. Think about the deaf people in your life: family, colleagues, friends, neighbours?  

• Don’t make assumptions, ask about a person’s communication preferences.  

• Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter 

Take action 

Awareness is the first step, but to be an ally, you need to be ready to take action for change as well.  

Support our campaigning for health equality  

In 2014 SignHealth published ground-breaking research known as the “Sick Of It” report showing that deaf people who use sign language experience significantly poorer health outcomes. This includes higher rates of preventable illnesses and mental health issues. This is called health inequality, and it’s experienced by many marginalised groups in our society.

In addition to the services we deliver directly to the deaf community, we also share health information in sign language and advocate for better healthcare through NHS policy and in parliament. 

As an ally, you could support our deaf charity to address inequality. As a deaf-led charity, with 70% of our staff being deaf themselves, we have lived experience and expertise in deaf health.

£3 a month could help us to campaign for better access to healthcare services for all deaf people. 

Raise awareness with your local GP

Download our poster and bring it your GP surgery. The poster reminds NHS staff about the rights of deaf patients and how to follow NHS guidance for accessible healthcare.  

Create lasting change with SignHealth’s training and consultancy 

Our training and consultancy equip organisations and professionals to deliver deaf-accessible services.

Options include:

• Bespoke deaf access audit and support
• Accessible healthcare for deaf people
• Healthy Minds for deaf children
• Supporting deaf people in social care