Features

Martha's Vineyard is an island in Massachusetts and was home to the world's most famous Deaf community. Even though they were never more than a quarter of the population, nearly everyone used the local sign language which would go on to form the basis of ASL.

In August 1969, Allen and Beatrice Gardner of the University of Nevada published an article in the journal Science claiming to have communicated with a chimpanzee called Washoe. She had been brought up since 1966 in the Gardner's trailer and could use 100 signs. She was intelligent enough to sign "water bird" when she saw a swan. By the time of her death in 2007, she used 250 signs.

Finding employment can be challenging but when you have a hearing loss, it can become much harder. The theme: To disclose or not disclose, was sparked by an experience of mine and discusses whether deaf people should have to reveal their deafness to potential employers.

Swim England and UK Deaf Sport have teamed up to make swimming more accessible for deaf participants. The start of a swimming race can be challenging for deaf athletes: particularly those who are unable to wear hearing aids or cochlear implants in the water.

Two deaf friends will hike the length of the UK to raise money and awareness for mental health in deaf people.

William Shaw (1869-1949) was arguably the greatest Deaf inventor. He invented Deaf-friendly doorbells, alarms, clocks, baby monitors and phones.

When I started blogging, I was also going through the process of finding my deaf identity, and part of that was looking for a deaf role model; someone to look up to. Other than the famous deaf celebrities, I couldn’t find that person and I aspired for an influential individual, so I figured why not become that person?

Whilst reading through a job description with a well-known deaf charity, I stumbled upon the phrase; 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme'. I hadn't come across it before so I looked into it, and I definitely think it’s something we should be spreading the word about…

Conventional homes are designed for the hearing majority of the population. Doorbells, fire alarms, telephones and baby monitors are all auditory. Without visual or vibrating replacements, a Deaf person will live a much more dangerous life.

This blog is dedicated to all the Mums of D/deaf children and adults, who have gone above and beyond to help make our world a better place.