Leeds’ deaf community have come together this week to mark International Deaf week.
Local charities and British Sign Language (BSL) societies have teamed up to lead events that celebrate deaf culture while highlighting the urgent need for greater accessibility and inclusion across West Yorkshire.
This years theme is “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights” it calls attention to importance of bringing people together and creating a space for them to be a fully participating member of society.
Emphasising that sign language is not just a way to communicate but rather a human right and part of many individuals identity.
Across Leeds’ organisations such as Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People (LSDBP) mottos that real inclusion depends on recognising sign language as a central to everyday life. Christine Roche is a trustee at the LSDBP and also leads the social groups.
Roche has been involved with LSDBP for over 30 years. Roche stresses that wider use of BSL and accessibility are key to breaking down barriers and ensuring deaf people are not excluded from opportunities within community life.
“Its often over looked that those who are born deaf don’t have the same level of understanding of reading and writing as someone of able hearing does, or even so someone who looses their hearing later in life. Those deaf from birth know sign language as their everything.”
LSDBP, set up in 1866, have maintained their single objective as to ‘respond to the expressed needs and aspirations of Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, Blind and partially sighted people.’
They’ve worked closely with Leeds City Council to improve access throughout Leeds, such as promoting the distribution of SignLive a free service that enhances everyday experiences for those who use BSL to communicate.
Alongside advocacy, LSDBP also offer training and opportunities to engage in activities accessible to all needs.
“We run events in as many areas as we can, from parenting groups, groups for over 55’s, sign and sign choir and deaf bingo to simply just a safe space to come and socialise- we call this social squad. I enjoy attending the sign and sign choir, its something that the ordinary person may look past but this is one of our best attended groups.”
Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining these services, say Roche, ‘The success of LSDBP is without a doubt due dedication and commitment of its volunteers’
Among those leading their energy are students from the University of Leeds BSL society, who not only help with community activities and peer assistance at LSDBP but also champion sign language awareness on campus too.
Their involvement reflects how younger generations are stepping up to support the deaf community and ensure that sign language and accessibility remain firmly on the agenda.
Olivia, Secretary and form Co-President at UoL BSL society helped relaunch the group in 2022. Alongside co-founder Rahim Karim, they welcomed a space where student and staff alike can connect and learn with the wider deaf community.
The society partnered with LSDBP in early 2024 to support with local projects and strengthen ties across the city in exchange for funding to help with qualifications.
Treasurer, Sebastião say that “this has been a great gateway into the deaf/signing world, not only to use BSL in real life scenarios but to also meet with people I otherwise may have not”
The work of charities and student groups in Leeds highlights that progress is being made.
By containing to raise awareness there is hope to create a city where deaf people can take part fully in every aspect of community life.
For Leeds, International week of deaf people is more than just a celebration but a remainder that true inclusion depends on recognising sign language as a right, not a privilege.
With continued commitment Leeds has a chance to lead by example in creating a more accessible future.
