This Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May), major new research from RNID has revealed the extent of the stigma and negative attitudes that deaf people and people with hearing loss experience on a regular basis.
Lilian, who Chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness, was delighted to host and speak at the launch of the charity’s ‘It does matter’ campaign in the Houses of Parliament.
RNID’s research of 8,151 people found that more than a quarter (27%) of deaf people and people with hearing loss are ignored by most people in public settings.
More than two thirds (67%) told the charity they have experienced negative attitudes or behaviours in the last year, and almost half (48%) said they also experience this from their own family members.
54% said people tell them ‘it doesn’t matter’ when they struggle to understand, and 47% have experienced people shouting at them.
Shopping and the workplace were also highlighted as causes of stress, with 55% of people experiencing negative attitudes and behaviours from retail staff in the last 12 months and 19% experiencing this from work colleagues.
Lilian Greenwood MP said: “The findings from RNID’s new report paint a shocking picture of what life is like for at least 1 in 5 adults in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss.
“This research has many implications for public policy. For example RNID’s new research found that there are worrying barriers to access within the NHS. 72% of BSL users and a quarter of people with hearing loss have experienced negative attitudes or behaviours from medical staff in the NHS. This highlights the daily barriers people face, such as the failure to provide communication support such as BSL interpreters for appointments, or even providing an alternative to the eight AM telephone scramble to book a GP appointment.
“As the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness I will be working with MPs from all parties to look for solutions to these problems and pushing for the NHS to meet the needs of patients who are deaf or have hearing loss.”
Crystal Rolfe, Director of Strategy at RNID, said: “We want people across the UK to stand with us and say that the way deaf people and people with hearing loss are treated really does matter. We know the public want to know how to do this, so we’re urging people to head to the RNID website for easy tips on good communication, and some free videos to learn basic phrases in BSL.”
To receive free deaf awareness tips, simple BSL videos to learn basic phrases, and find out about small changes you can make at home, in the workplace and out and about, visit rnid.org.uk.