Deaf Umbrella

22/09/2026

During this International Week of the Deaf, we focus on "The right to a quality multilingual inclusive education".

For Deaf children access to education also means access to language.

The WFD highlights the importance of national sign languages, multilingual education and Deaf-led learning environments, so Deaf children can develop, participate, and learn without language becoming the barrier. This is particularly relevant for schools and colleges

Language deprivation is a serious issue that affects many Deaf children worldwide, leading to language delays that can impact their education and well-being. Early access to sign language is crucial to prevent these delays and to promote healthy development.⁠
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Learn about language deprivation and the importance of access to sign language in the early years: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/language-deprivation-causes-language-delays
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This day is a call to action for parents, educators, and communities to advocate for the rights of Deaf children and ensure they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. ⁠
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22/09/2026

Imagine hiring the perfect candidate.⁠
They arrive on their first day.⁠
Their laptop is ready 🙌⁠
Their desk is ready 🙌⁠
Their induction pack is ready 🙌
But nobody has thought about COMMUNICATION SUPPORT 🤦🏻‍♀️⁠
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No interpreter, captions, or communication plan.⁠
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Suddenly, your new employee can't fully access meetings, training, or introductions, because access wasn't planned.⁠
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Did you know that support can often be funded through Access to Work?
✅ BSL interpreters⁠
✅ Communication Support Workers⁠
✅ Notetakers⁠
✅ Specialist equipment⁠
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The best time to arrange support is before day one, not after the problems start.⁠
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Need help supporting a Deaf employee? Comment "WORK" 💜⁠
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DeafUmbrella

22/09/2026

Imagine joining a meeting where:
• Everyone talks over each other.
• People turn away while speaking.
• There are no captions.
• Someone says, "Don't worry, we'll fill you in later."

For many Deaf employees, this isn't unusual. But the good news is that most accessibility improvements don't cost anything:

✅ Share an agenda beforehand.
✅ Make sure one person speaks at a time.
✅ Face the camera when speaking online.
✅ Share notes afterwards.

These changes don't just support Deaf colleagues.

They improve meetings for everyone.

21/09/2026

💡How to respond to… Part 5⁠
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📝 “We’ll just write it down for you” is like offering a paddle in place of a life jacket.⁠
Sure, writing might help in some situations, but for many Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, English is a second language. That quick note? It might as well be in French.⁠
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This week we're celebrating International Week of Deaf People, and this year’s theme says it all: Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights.⁠

✊ When someone says “we’ll just write it down,” remember: that’s not access: that’s a shortcut.⁠
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Swipe for 5 ways to say “thanks, but no thanks” and advocate for sign language rights, not workarounds.⁠
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📌 SAVE IT. SHARE IT. And try one of these out next time it happens. Got a situation you want help responding to? Drop it in the comments or DM us, we’ve got your back.⁠
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Alt text: Text graphic with a soft purple and blue background. The text reads: 'How to respond to "we'll just write things down for you", it features the website URL: www.deafumbrella.com

21/09/2026

Your reasonable adjustment has been rejected. What do you say next?🤔⁠
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You do not need to know complicated legal language to continue the conversation. Keep it clear and focused on access. You can say:⁠
“Can you explain why my request has been declined?”⁠
“Without this support, I am missing information I need to do my job.”⁠
“If this adjustment is not possible, what alternative can we put in place?”⁠
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The important thing is to explain the barrier, not only repeat the adjustment you asked for.⁠
👉 For example, instead of only saying: “I need a BSL interpreter.”⁠
👉Explain: “Without communication support in this meeting, I cannot fully follow the discussion, ask questions or take part in the same way as my hearing colleagues.”⁠
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One adjustment being rejected does not automatically mean there is no other solution.⁠
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Ask questions. Keep a written record where possible. And if you are still struggling to get the access you need, you can speak to HR, your union or get independent advice.⁠
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We have a free guide with practical information and templates you can adapt when asking your employer for support. Comment GUIDE to receive it via DM.⁠
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DeafUmbrella

21/09/2026

International Week of Deaf People 2026 starts today! 💜🤟
And if you follow us, you’re going to be seeing a LOT of Deaf awareness on your feed this week (as you should 😉)⁠
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This year’s theme is “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights”, and we want to take it beyond a slogan.⁠
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What does access actually look like in everyday life?⁠
Why does BSL matter beyond communication?⁠
What do hearing people often misunderstand about Deaf culture?⁠
And what can workplaces, educators and all of us do better?⁠
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We’ve planned a full week of content to explore exactly that:
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💡 Deaf awareness and Deaf culture⁠
🤟 BSL and sign language facts⁠
😂 A few memes👀
📲 Reels, carousels and practical tips⁠
📥 Free resources and posters for workplaces and educators⁠
📰 Plus our special newsletter: “👋 Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Ciao… and HELLO in BSL!” (we LOVE that one!)⁠
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We’ve also put together our International Week of Deaf People 2026 guide, with all seven daily themes, FAQs, practical ways to get involved and resources you can actually use beyond this week.⁠
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So if Deaf awareness, BSL, accessibility and Deaf culture are things you want to understand better, you might want to follow us this week 👀⁠
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💜 Read the article here: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026
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💌 Want the special newsletter too? Subscribe here and you’ll receive the link on Wednesday the 23rd: ⁠www.deafumbrella.com/subscribe
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And tell us below: what would YOU like hearing people to understand better about Deaf people or Deaf culture? 👇⁠

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DeafCommunity SignLanguage⁠
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16/09/2026

Sometimes the support you started with no longer matches the job you’re doing now.⁠
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If your role, responsibilities or communication needs have changed, it may be time to review your Access to Work support.⁠
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Thomas’s case is a good reminder that “managing” and having the right access are not always the same thing.⁠
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Need help understanding your current Access to Work support? Get in touch with Deaf Umbrella: www.deafumbrella.com/atw
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16/09/2026

🎄 Exciting casting opportunity for Deaf children aged 5–6!⁠
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Flashing Lights Media, the Deaf-led production company behind the much-loved CBeebies Parenting series Tiny Tunes, is looking for Deaf children to take part in a series of Christmas specials.⁠
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📺 Filming will take place towards the end of October.⁠
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📅 Applications close on 20 September, so there isn’t much time to apply!⁠
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Watch the BSL video and check the casting flyer for full details, including how to apply and who to contact.⁠
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Please share this with any families who may be interested. It could be a wonderful opportunity for a little Tiny Tunes fan! 💜

16/09/2026

Imagine investing months in recruiting and training a talented employee to lose them because simple accessibility barriers were never addressed.
That's expensive and disappointing.

This article explores why accessibility should be viewed as a business investment, not an expense: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accessibility-costs-less-than-replacing-great-staff-deaf-umbrella-xiwse/

And if you're thinking about hiring a Deaf employee, contact Deaf Umbrella first. We're here to help with workplace support, Access to Work and Deaf Awareness Training.

Every employer is focused on reducing costs, improving productivity, and retaining talented people. Yet one of the most overlooked business investments is workplace accessibility.

15/09/2026

🌟 We’re hiring qualified Communication Support Workers (CSWs)🌟

Deaf Umbrella is looking for professional and dedicated CSWs to join our team.

📍 Locations: London and the Southeast area (Kent)
🕒 Hours: Various days and times available
📅 Immediate start

What we’re looking for:
✔️ BSL Level 3 or above
✔️ A professional and reliable approach
✔️ An understanding of the CSW role
✔️ A genuine commitment to supporting Deaf people

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, send us a message and tell us which location or locations you would be interested in working in.

Please feel free to share this post with a CSW who may be looking for work.

www.deafumbrella.com/work-with-us