Take the Leap for BDA Youth: Skydive Fundraiser 2026
Members of the BDA Youth Committee, BDA staff and supporters are taking to the skies to raise funds…
31 July 2026
What we do
Our Work
The British Deaf Association works to create a world in which the language, culture, community, diversity and heritage of Deaf people in the UK is respected and fully protected.
The British Deaf Association is the UK’s national Deaf-led membership organisation representing Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK and Irish Sign Language (ISL) in Northern Ireland.
We promote the advancement of human rights and equality for Deaf people by collaborating with our members and stakeholders to influence governments to access services in our own language: BSL and ISL, the first or preferred language of c.87,000 Deaf people in the UK.
Who we are
We are the UK’s national Deaf-led membership organisation. We campaign for equality, celebrate British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language, and support Deaf communities to thrive.
We promote human rights and equality for Deaf people by working with our members and stakeholders to influence government and improve access to services in BSL and ISL.
What guides our work
Deaf-led
Our priorities are shaped by Deaf people and the lived experience of our communities.
Rights-based
Our work is rooted in language rights, equality and internationally recognised human rights.
Connected internationally
We work with Deaf organisations and representative bodies across the UK, Europe and the world.
Our affiliations and human-rights frameworkThe BDA is an Ordinary Member of the World Federation of the Deaf and a member of the European Union of the Deaf. BDA Youth is connected with the international and European Deaf youth movements. Read moreShow less
The BDA is an Ordinary Member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an International Non-Governmental Organisation in official liaison with ECOSOC, UNESCO, ILO, WHO and the Council of Europe, and a member of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD).
EUD is a full member of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and is a Regional Co-operating Member of WFD. WFD has consultative status at the United Nations and is a founding member of the International Disability Alliance.
BDA Youth is connected with the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS) and the European Union of the Deaf Youth (EUDY), representing young Deaf people across the UK.
Human rights are inherent to every human being. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities places disabled people and their representative organisations at the forefront of decisions that affect them. Its principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” underpins the BDA’s Deaf-led and rights-based approach.
Areas of work
How we make a difference
Our work spans advocacy, policy, education, community development and accessible information. Explore each area to learn how we support Deaf people and strengthen our communities.
Rights, representation and policy
Advocacy
Working with individuals and groups to empower them to have their views heard and ensure services and information meet Deaf people’s needs.
Explore this work
BSL Charter
Supporting public agencies to improve access to services for Deaf BSL users and engage meaningfully with local BSL communities.
Policy Work
Responding to consultations and producing evidence that ensures sign language users are considered in decision-making.
Explore this workCommunity, learning and development
Deaf children and young people
Early intervention and mentoring support Deaf children and young people to develop skills, confidence and a strong sense of identity.
Explore this workBSL & Deaf Awareness
Raising awareness of BSL, Deaf equality and Deaf culture through campaigns, training, research and policy work.
Capacity Building
Developing local Deaf groups and forums so communities can influence services and create lasting change.
Accessible information
Our Work video
Stand with Deaf people. Be part of the change.
Support our work, volunteer with us or become a member today.