The British Deaf Association (BDA) welcomes BBC One’s Reunion, a powerful drama that highlights the struggles of Deaf individuals navigating life after incarceration. This series, starring Deaf actor Matthew Gurney and written and produced by Deaf filmmaker William Mager, brings to the forefront issues that have been long-standing challenges for Deaf prisoners, many of which were outlined in our 2016 report ‘Throw Away the Key? How Britain’s Prisons Don’t Rehabilitate Deaf People’ —and, disturbingly, these issues are still ongoing today.
Co-starring Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, alongside Laura Peake and Anne-Marie Duff, Reunion is a rare and crucial portrayal of the challenges faced by the Deaf community in a hearing-dominated society. The show serves as a stark reminder that the barriers faced by Deaf people in prison —ranging from communication challenges to abuse and neglect—remain unresolved. The drama directly reflects the findings of the 2016 BDA report, demonstrating how little has changed in addressing the issues of Deaf prisoners.
The BDA’s 2016 report uncovered critical challenges affecting Deaf prisoners, many of which are depicted in Reunion:
Communication Barriers:
Deaf prisoners struggle with a lack of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, communication support, and specialised equipment, leading to isolation and misunderstandings. These barriers prevent Deaf individuals from participating in rehabilitation and accessing justice.
Language Deprivation and Abuse:
Deaf children need BSL from birth to develop functional language skills and the ability to report abuse. Without this, they remain vulnerable, and these issues continue into adulthood, impacting Deaf prisoners’ ability to protect themselves.
Institutional Failures:
Prison staff often lack training in Deaf culture and communication needs, compounding the difficulties Deaf prisoners face. Budget constraints and inadequate resources worsen these issues.
Rebecca Mansell, CEO of the British Deaf Association, said:
“Reunion highlights the ongoing struggles that Deaf prisoners face—struggles that were clearly outlined in our 2016 report. Despite bringing the evidence to light, these issues remain unresolved, and the abuse, isolation, and communication barriers are still affecting Deaf prisoners today. The series brings to life the very real consequences of language deprivation and institutional neglect. The justice system is still failing Deaf prisoners, and urgent action is needed.”
The BDA’s ten-year strategy, #TakingBSLForward #BSL2032, envisions a future where BSL is fully integrated into all aspects of life, including the criminal justice system. The issues raised in Reunion and in our 2016 report highlight the urgent need for reform and the recognition of Deaf prisoners’ rights. BSL is not just a language—it is a vital tool for communication and safety.
We congratulate the BBC, Willam Mager and the creative team behind Reunion for their commitment to authentically portraying the experiences of the Deaf community. We hope this series serves as a catalyst for change, resulting in conversations and actions that lead to greater awareness and improved support for Deaf individuals in the justice system.
Reunion is now available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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MEDIA CONTACT
Julia Esse
Head of Communications and Fundraising
E: julia.esse@bda.org.uk
T: 07939933129
Notes to Editors:
About the 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.
The BDA was established in 1890 to fight for the right of Deaf children to use sign language in educational settings.
