Charities representing deaf people in the UK have come together to ask the Government to work with them on new welfare and employment plans.
This follows yesterday’s announcement that the Government want to have a consultation with the public on whether to cut Access to Work or introduce reforms, and what those reforms would look like.
Kirsty Dix, Campaigns Officer at SignHealth, which facilitates the deaf together campaign, said: “We welcome a consultation on the benefits system and Access to Work. But deaf people’s lived experiences and challenges must be included in the process. Deaf people already find it difficult to access employment and to use the benefits system. We are worried if deaf people, especially BSL users, who already face several barriers to employment are not consulted with, any decisions made could make things worse instead of better.” Kirsty’s quote in BSL here.
deaf together is a campaign set up to improve the wider social indicators of health for deaf peoplee. They are set to publish a Deaf At Work report in the coming weeks sharing research from over 600 deaf people’s experiences of employment, particularly with Access to Work, a government programme to cover communication support costs. The report will show that reform is needed. There are excessive waiting times for applications and renewals. Deaf people report months of backlogs in processing applications, leaving deaf people waiting months to get support or even worse, having to leave their jobs. One deaf respondent said, “I had to turn down a promotion because my ATW support was reduced.” The inefficiencies of Access to Work are the real problem, not the cost of the scheme. The report will suggest that the government need to fix these inefficiencies and improve cost-effectiveness, allowing deaf people to thrive at work with necessary support in place.
Meanwhile other charities commented on wider concerns with the Government’s announcements.
Tom Lichy, Head of Policy at British Deaf Association said: “Many deaf and disabled people rely on government support to cover basic living costs. We are especially concerned about how these changes could affect deaf people who are neurodivergent or who face mental health challenges. Deaf people are not asking for handouts. We are asking for a fair opportunity in a world that isn’t always built with everyone in mind.” Tom’s quote in BSL here.
Paula Garfield, Deaf Founder and Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre said: “By altering PIP criteria, the government is failing deaf and disabled creatives, placing them under greater pressure to seek alternative employment. This risks depriving the rich diversity that makes the arts so powerful, both on stage and behind the scenes. We urge policymakers to recognise the profound impact of these reforms and to protect the future of deaf and disabled artists.” Paula’s quote in BSL here.
So far, nine organisations have come forwards, including Bolton Deaf Society, British Deaf Association, Communication Unlimited, Deafinitely Theatre, Deaf Unity, Interpreters of Colour Network, NRCPD, SignHealth and Warrington & District Society for Deaf People.
The deaf organisations strongly encourage the Government to include deaf people from the start in the consultation process to make sure lived experience is included in any decision making that will affect deaf people’s lives.
Note to editors
SignHealth is a deaf-led charity working for a future where there are no barriers to good health and wellbeing for deaf people. Our passionate teams offer specialist services, including psychological therapy, domestic abuse support, social care and a children and young people programme. We have media-trained deaf people who use British Sign Language to communicate ready to be interviewed to support this statement, as well as access to qualified BSL interpreters.
For more information about SignHealth, visit signhealth.org.uk and follow us on Instagram, and Facebook at: @SignHealth or LinkedIn
For media enquiries: communications@signhealth.org.uk
deaf together
deaf together is a campaign to end the inequalities all deaf people face. We are a movement of deaf and hearing people who have come together to take action. For more information and to join us, visit www.deaftogether.org.uk
British Deaf Association
The British Deaf Association (BDA) is the UK’s only national organisation that represents Deaf people whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL) – or Irish Sign Language (ISL) in Northern Ireland. It was established in 1890 to fight for the right of Deaf children to use sign language in educational settings.
Enquiries: bda@bda.org.uk
Deafinitely Theatre
Deafinitely Theatre is the first deaf launched and deaf led professional theatre company in the UK producing quality bilingual theatre in British Sign Language and spoken English.
Enquiries: info@deafinitelytheatre.co.uk
Deaf Unity
Deaf Unity exists to empower deaf people and to push for and enable change at three pivotal transition points: moving on from school to further studies/work; entering the workforce; and progression in the workplace. For more information, visit deafunity.org
Communication Unlimited
Communication Unlimited is a deaf led charity based in Derby. We are primarily a sign language interpreting agency working to break down communication barriers in Derbyshire. Our team also run projects with the Deaf community including Health, Employment and community based services. We celebrate our 35th anniversary of providing these services. The CEO, a BSL user, is available for media interviews to support this statement as well as providing access to qualified interpreters.
For more information about Communication Unlimited, visit www.cu-bsl.co.uk and follow us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSLcommunicationunlimited
For media enquiries: Email alison.jones@cu-bsl.co.uk or phone 01332 369920
NRCPD
The NRCPD is the national regulator of over 1,600 language service professionals including British Sign Language/English Interpreters and Translators, Lipspeakers, Notetakers, Speech to Text Reporters and Interpreters for Deafblind People.
Our primary purpose is to protect Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and maintain public confidence in language services across the UK. To achieve this, we register language service professionals and set the minimum standards for them, investigate complaints about their fitness to practise, and work to ensure the quality of language services nationally. For more information, visit www.nrcpd.org.uk
Interpreters of Colour Network (IOCN)
Enquiries: admin@interpretersofcolour.net
Press: press@interpretersofcolour.net
Bolton Deaf Society
Established over 150 years ago, Bolton Deaf Society is a small independent charity providing practical support to people with hearing loss. Our charity aims to tackle the two linked issues of social isolation, through its social activities, and barriers to communication with the hearing world, through its sign language interpreted information and advocacy services.
Enquiries: admin@boltondeafsociety.co.uk
Warrington & District Society for Deaf People
We are a voluntary non profit making organisation and rely on fundraising and donations to enhance the lives of Deaf people. Our volunteers are both Deaf and hearing people who work endlessly to support our Centre.
The Centre helps to meet the needs of those who are disadvantaged in society, it improves life within the community as it provides a high quality accessible Centre to Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people through appropriate communication. Activities such as bingo, card making, computer courses, healthy eating, over 50’s club, youth groups, Sign Choir, sports competitions and socialising take place at our Centre. We also hold training activities, such as BSL classes, monthly Deaf Café and have a designated Equipment Aids Room in partnership with Warrington Borough Council.
Enquiries: admin@wdsdp.co.uk
