Meet the Youth Committee!
Our Youth Committee is made up of passionate Deaf young people from across the UK, each bringing their own experiences, skills, and ideas.
What is the BDA Youth Committee?
The BDA Youth Committee is a group of Deaf young people who represent the views and experiences of Deaf youth across the UK.
It is a youth-led group, meaning Deaf young people are directly involved in shaping decisions, influencing change and contributing to the work of the British Deaf Association (BDA).
The Committee focuses on making sure Deaf young people are heard, included, and supported, particularly in areas like education, wellbeing, identity, and leadership.
Check out the video reel of our committee member’s aspirations!
Our Story
The work of the Youth Committee builds on the legacy of Francis Maginn, a Deaf teacher from Co. Cork who founded the BDA in 1890.
At a time when sign language was discouraged in education, Maginn strongly believed that Deaf people should have the right to use sign language and access equal education. He brought Deaf people together, promoted sign language, and worked to improve opportunities for Deaf children and young people.
Continuing the legacy: Today, the BDA Youth Committee continues this work by ensuring Deaf young people are not just represented but actively involved in shaping their future
Why the BDA Youth Committee Matters
Deaf young people face barriers in education, employment, mental health support, and social connection. Too often, decisions are made about young people without being shaped by them.
The BDA Youth Committee exists to change that.
It creates a platform where Deaf young people can:
- Be heard and represented
- Influence real change
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Strengthen Deaf identity and community
This isn’t just a committee; it is about making sure Deaf young people lead their own future.
What does the BDA Youth Committee do?
The Committee plays an active role in shaping BDA’s work and wider Deaf youth opportunities.
This includes:
- Representing Deaf young people at a national level
- Feeding into BDA strategy, campaigns and policy work
- Supporting and leading youth-led projects and events
- Working with other organisations such as WFDYS and EUDY
- Promoting British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf culture
- Encouraging more Deaf young people to get involved and take on leadership roles
The Committee ensures that Deaf youth perspectives are not just included, but prioritised.
Our Key Priorities
Our work is guided by the BDA Youth Strategy.
We focus on four key areas:
Deaf Identity, Language and Culture
Supporting Deaf young people to feel confident in their identity and proud of BSL and Deaf culture.
Education, Transition and Adulthood
Improving access to education and supporting smoother transitions into adulthood, employment and independence.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Advocating for accessible, Deaf-friendly mental health support and reducing isolation.
Leadership, Voice, and Governance
Creating more opportunities for Deaf young people to lead, influence and be part of decision-making at all levels.
Learn more about our Strategy
The BDA Youth Committee has made an BDA Youth Strategy 2026–2029: “NextGen Deaf! Our Turn to Sign.”
This strategy sets out our vision, priorities, and actions to support Deaf young people across the UK.
Read the full strategy by clicking the image or the link below. You can also download or view our Summary Strategy Poster!
