Our heritage

Our history and origins

The British Deaf Association was formed in Leeds as the British Deaf and Dumb Association on 24 July 1890.

Portrait of Francis Maginn, founder and early leader of the British Deaf and Dumb Association.
Francis Maginn Founder and early leader of the BDDA

Founder and early leader

Our origins

In 1890, Deaf people from across the UK came together to form a national organisation after years of exclusion and a shared commitment to education, rights and recognition.

Led by Deaf pioneer Francis Maginn, the British Deaf and Dumb Association was founded to promote the education and social inclusion of Deaf people and to defend the right to use British Sign Language.

BSL translation

Our history in British Sign Language

Watch this video in British Sign Language (BSL).

Why the BDA was formed

Excluded from decisions

In 1889, the Royal Commission on the education of deaf children consulted professionals but did not consult Deaf people themselves.

Impact of the Milan Congress

The 1880 Milan Congress promoted speaking-only education, leading to the decline of sign language and the removal of Deaf teachers from schools.

A national response

In January 1890, Deaf delegates met in London to form a national society that would champion their rights and community.

The conference’s purpose was to consider the formation of a national society to “elevate the education and social status of the Deaf and Dumb in the United Kingdom”.

Minutes of the January 1890 National Conference

Key moments in our history

  1. 1880

    Milan Congress

    An international congress on the education of deaf children promoted oralism and the exclusion of sign language from schools.

  2. 1889

    Deaf voices excluded

    A Royal Commission examined Deaf education but did not consult Deaf people.

  3. January 1890

    National conference

    Deaf men met at St Saviour’s Church for the Deaf in London to discuss forming a national society for Deaf people across the UK.

  4. 24 July 1890

    The BDDA is formed

    The British Deaf and Dumb Association was formally founded in Leeds.

  5. 1971

    The BDA name is adopted

    The word “Dumb” was removed from the organisation’s name and it became the British Deaf Association.

  6. 1972

    A new professional era

    Allan Hayhurst was appointed as the BDA’s first salaried General Secretary.

  7. 1980

    Renewed campaigning and public engagement

    The BDA turned its attention to deaf awareness, community development and fundraising.

From then to now

From our foundation in 1890 to today, the BDA has championed Deaf rights, British Sign Language and access to communication. We continue to build understanding, strengthen our community and campaign for a more inclusive society for Deaf people.

What we stand forOur values, mission and the change we work for. Explore the Deaf MuseumDiscover our heritage and the stories that shaped our community.

Honouring our past. Building a stronger future.

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