Commuters at St. Pancras International Station were stopped in their tracks during Deaf Awareness Week. We unveiled a striking installation designed to make the invisible communication barriers faced by deaf people and people with hearing loss impossible to ignore.
Inside a large transparent box placed in the heart of one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs, famous faces and members of the public were invited to experience what it can feel like when everyday communication suddenly becomes difficult, frustrating, or even impossible.
We created the installation to show how small changes in communication can make a huge difference, and to bring our ‘It does matter’ campaign to life in a powerful and practical way.
Set against the backdrop of international departures and the natural hustle and bustle of the concourse, the box shows how for deaf people in a hearing world, everyday communication is full of invisible barriers.
Despite best efforts, participants found everyday interactions suddenly difficult, awkward or even impossible. Usual methods of communication didn’t work and though every effort was made, many were tempted to give up.
These moments reflect the daily reality for millions of people who are deaf or have hearing loss, where routine interactions can feel isolating, exhausting and frustrating.
Familiar faces including disability activist, TV personality and Strictly star Tasha Ghouri also stepped inside the box on the day, helping to shine a light on how simple adjustments in communication can transform inclusion.
What’s the problem?
Our latest research reveals the scale of the challenge, showing that almost a quarter of people would avoid a conversation with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss if they thought it would be too difficult. It also found that almost a third worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, while more than 2 in 5 are concerned they may come across as patronising.
Small actions we can all take
However, the research also shows a clear willingness to do better – with many people keen to communicate more confidently, but unsure how.
Throughout the day at St Pancras, we shared practical tips and British Sign Language (BSL) phrases from our ‘It does matter’ campaign, showing how small actions – like getting someone’s attention before speaking, ensuring your face is visible, or learning a basic BSL greeting – can immediately break down barriers and make conversations easier.
Tasha Ghouri said:
“Being deaf in a world made for hearing people can feel like being in an invisible box. Today with RNID, we made these barriers visible to show people how everyday things like having a simple conversation, which some people may not give a second thought, can be a real struggle if you are deaf.
“The good news is, a more inclusive world is within reach. By changing the way we communicate, a few small adjustments can ensure deaf people are part of the conversation and no longer face barriers and hurdles.”
Joel Herga, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at London St. Pancras Highspeed, said:
“We’re thrilled to support this great initiative for Deaf Awareness Week. Inclusivity in travel is extremely important to us here at London St. Pancras Highspeed and we fully endorse the work of the RNID”.
RNID would like to thank everyone who took part in the event, including our friends and supporters; Tasha Ghouri, Georgia Meacham, Samantha Baines, and Jamie Clarke, along with members of the public who stepped inside the box and helped bring this experience to life. And thank you to St Pancras International Station who supported on the day.
