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‘It does matter’: BSL phrases and communication tips

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Two images side by side, on the left is a man wearing sportswear, on the right a young child in school uniform. Both are smiling and crossing their arms over their chest.

A quarter of the deaf people and people with hearing loss we surveyed said they are ignored in public. Sign up today to receive our free simple BSL lessons and communications tips on how to include everyone in the conversation. 

Being told ‘it doesn’t matter’ 

Our research shows the enormous impact that the general public’s negative attitudes and behaviour has on the 18 million deaf people and people with hearing loss in the UK.

“One of the worst things is when people say something I miss and when asked to repeat they say ‘oh it doesn’t matter’. It probably didn’t matter to them at the time, but it makes me feel I don’t matter.”

Sarah, 23, is deaf and works as an audiologist in Erith. She shares how public attitudes towards her impacts her life on a daily basis.

“Someone asked for directions. I said, ‘sorry I did not hear everything you said as I am deaf’, and they said, ‘oh, no worries, it doesn’t matter’ and walked away. This happens so often. Yes, I am deaf and will sometimes miss things. People are not always aware of how to communicate with a deaf person.”

Read Sarah’s full story.

Young woman, Sarah, an audiologist with cochlear implants smiling, with hands on hips beside a waterfront.

For a more in-depth look at the experiences our communities face, read our research report or explore more stories from our communities.

Show ‘It does matter’

Sign up for our comms tips, including videos of common British Sign Language phrases you can learn, and what small changes you can make to show ‘it does matter’.
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Page last updated: 3 October 2024

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