Campaign to be deaf aware

NATIONAL charity Action on Hearing Loss is marking this week’s Deaf Awareness Week by encouraging Berkshire residents to be more deaf aware.

Its Don’t be a Donut, Be Deaf Aware campaign highlights some of the awkward things people say to those living with deafness and hearing loss.

The charity hopes that this will shine a light on the many misconceptions some people have.

During the week, they will be sharing numerous personal stories from supporters including the one testing a man’s disability by asking to ‘try on’ his hearing aid and an airport insisting that a deaf woman must use a wheelchair.

Action on Hearing Loss says that its campaign aims to encourage those with all levels of deafness and hearing loss to join the conversation by sharing their own stories about the awkward things that have been said to them about their condition – ultimately highlighting why greater deaf awareness is so important.

Mark Atkinson, chief executive at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “These stories highlight the fact that despite there being 11 million people in the UK with various levels of hearing loss, there is still a widespread lack of awareness among the general public about hearing conditions and the people who live with them.

“By highlighting these misconceptions we would like encourage people to reconsider their own attitudes and preconceptions and no longer be the ‘donut’ in the room.”

The charity hopes to show the world how important it is to be deaf aware and asks supporters to get involved by sharing their own stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #DontBeADonut #BeDeafAware.

To find out more about

Action on Hearing Loss’ Deaf Awareness Week campaign,

Don’t be a Donut, log on to www. actiononhearingloss.org.uk/DAW19