In News

Deafblind Awareness Week takes place each June, shining a spotlight on the experiences of people living with combined sight and hearing loss. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the barriers Deafblind people can face and to highlight the importance of accessible communication in creating a more inclusive society.

This year, the week is accompanied by welcome news from the UK Government, with new funding announced to help increase the number of specialist Deafblind interpreters across the country.

Supporting Better Communication

The Government has announced £15,000 in funding to support training and assessment sessions for specialist Deafblind interpreters.

Currently, there are around eight qualified specialist Deafblind interpreters serving an estimated 12,000 Deafblind people across the UK. The funding aims to expand the number of qualified professionals to around 68 by supporting the next generation of interpreters through specialist training.

Delivered in partnership with the British Sign Language Advisory Board and organisations including Signature and the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people, the programme will focus on the specialist skills needed to support Deafblind communication, including tactile communication methods.

Why This Matters for Tourism

Accessible communication plays a vital role in ensuring everyone can enjoy travel, leisure and visitor experiences with confidence.

Whether booking accommodation, visiting an attraction, attending an event or exploring a new destination, clear communication helps remove barriers and enables Deafblind visitors to travel more independently. Increasing the availability of specialist interpreters is an important step towards making services more accessible across many sectors, including tourism.

While not every tourism business will require the support of a specialist interpreter, Deafblind Awareness Week is a valuable reminder that accessibility extends beyond physical access. Providing information in accessible formats, training staff to communicate effectively and considering the diverse needs of visitors all contribute to creating a more welcoming experience.

The Future

The additional funding represents a positive step towards improving communication support for Deafblind people throughout the UK. As the tourism industry continues to prioritise accessibility and inclusion, initiatives like this help create a future where more people can explore, travel and enjoy days out without unnecessary barriers.

At Tourism for All, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the UK's fantastic destinations and attractions. Deafblind Awareness Week is an important opportunity to reflect on how the visitor economy can continue to improve accessibility and ensure no one is left behind.

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