"Beyond Silence"
Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the Deaf community, our language, culture, and history.
It is a time to celebrate Deaf identity, promote Deaf culture, and advocate for equal access to communication and services for the Deaf and hard of hearing. This week-long event provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to come together and support the Deaf community, learn about their experiences, and work towards a more inclusive and accessible society.
Deaf Awareness Week is a time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and build a more inclusive world for all.
The theme for Deaf Awareness Week 2025 is "Beyond Silence". This theme focuses on breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, celebrating the diverse ways Deaf people communicate, and highlighting the richness of Deaf culture.
From Loss to Found
At the heart of the BDA’s work is the belief that no Deaf person should feel alone, misunderstood, or disconnected.
During Sign Language Week, we launched our Loss to Found campaign; a powerful reminder that what is often framed as a “loss” can in fact lead to something far more meaningful: Deaf gain. For many Deaf children and their families, discovering British Sign Language is not just about learning to communicate; it’s about finding identity, community, and pride.
This Deaf Awareness Week, we continue that message. Too many Deaf people remain isolated due to barriers in language access and representation. The BDA works to break down these barriers, advocate for Deaf rights, and promote BSL for Deaf children.
British Sign Language & Irish Sign Language
British Sign Language (BSL) is the preferred language of over 87,000 Deaf people in the UK, many of whom consider English a second or third language. BSL is a rich, visual language that uses handshapes, facial expressions, gestures, and body language to express meaning. It plays a vital role in shaping Deaf culture, identity, and community.
Irish Sign Language (ISL), while distinct from BSL, has also evolved over centuries with its own grammar, signs, and cultural customs. It is used by around 1,500 Deaf people in Northern Ireland, and more widely across Ireland.
Both languages are central to Deaf life. To support learning and awareness, the BDA has created fingerspelling cards for both BSL and ISL.
Learn BSL with Lingvano
Continue your British Sign Language journey with Lingvano, a popular app designed to help you learn BSL anytime, anywhere.
BDA supporters can get 30% off their subscription. Simply scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/bda2025 to claim your discount.
For group access or organisational plans, email business@lingvano.com and mention BDA2025 for a special offer.