The Isle of Man is set to join the UK-wide celebration of Deaf Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being ‘Beyond Silence’.
It emphasises the importance of amplifying Deaf voices, promoting accessibility and breaking barriers that impact the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
In the Isle of Man approximately 13,000 people are deaf or have some degree of hearing loss.
Local Impact
Many individuals rely on British Sign Language (BSL), lipreading and other communication methods.
Accessibility and inclusion remain key priorities across the island.
Participants walked around Douglas wearing ear plugs and ear defenders.
A series of challenges were also set, such as crossing roads, shopping, ordering drinks in a café and asking for directions.
Beyond Silence
Participants of the event said: “It was helpful to be with someone. Being alone it would have been much more challenging, the sense of isolation would have been much greater.”
They also said: “You had to be much more aware, it was hard work. You had to be more alert, it would have been frightening by yourself.”
Other said: “I was very much out of my comfort zone, I couldn’t relax while we were walking as I was unaware of any of the sounds of traffic going by.”
Supporting Efforts
To support these efforts, The Manx Deaf Society is hosting a Deaf Awareness Week session to educate and engage the wider community.
A Deaf Awareness Week Session will be held on Friday (May 9) at The Manx Deaf Society from 10am to 10:45am.
Spaces are limited, contact The Manx Deaf Society to reserve your place.
3 Comments