Deaf Umbrella

25/07/2025

Discover how assistive technologies are transforming communication for the Deaf community! These amazing tools promote inclusivity and make conversations smoother than ever https://deafumbrella.com/equipment

24/07/2025

Are you an employer seeking to improve accessibility? Deaf Umbrella offers expert support and training to help you meet your obligations and create an inclusive environment. Visit us at https://www.deafumbrella.com

23/07/2025

💡How to respond to… Part 1⁠

⁠🤦🏻‍♀️ "You don't look Deaf"
🚫 “Do you really need that?”
💸 “We don’t have the budget.”⁠
🤷 “We’ll see what we can do…”⁠
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If you’ve ever had your accommodation request denied or brushed off, this carousel is for you. Because here’s the truth: accommodations are not “special treatment”; they’re basic human needs.⁠
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Think about it: asking for directions, saying “no onions please,” or letting someone know you’re running late, that’s all accommodation. We all do it. It’s how we function, support each other, and make life work.⁠
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For Deaf and hard of hearing people, accommodations like BSL support or captions aren’t a luxury. They’re essential. Denying them = denying access to communication, opportunity, and dignity. It’s that simple.⁠
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And no, it doesn’t have to break the bank. The Access to Work grant can help cover the cost of interpreters, notetakers, tech, and more, and we’ll guide you through the process.⁠
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✨️PLUS✨️ we’ve created a free guide with the top 10 questions employers and employees ask about Access to Work, all answered clearly and confidently: https://www.deafumbrella.com/ebook-atw
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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!⁠
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Alt text: Text graphic with a soft purple and blue background. The text reads: 'How to respond to "you're doing fine. You don't need accommodations", it features the website URL: www.deafumbrella.com⁠
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23/07/2025

🎉 Updated Resource Alert! 🎉

Our FREE eBook for colleges and schools just got even better 💥

“How to Support Deaf Students in Your College” now includes:

✅ How to empower Deaf students to become independent
✅ Practical ways CSWs can connect with Deaf culture
✅ NEW book & social media recommendations
✅ Strategies your team can use this September

Let’s start the academic year prepared, informed, and ready to support EVERY student.

📥 Download the updated guide here:

The new academic year is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to ensure your team is ready to welcome Deaf students with the support they deserve. We’ve just updated our free eBook: “How to Support Deaf Students in Your College – The Role of CSWs in Inclusive Education.” This ...

21/07/2025

📘 Our Courses:⁠
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→ Becoming a Professional CSW⁠ (Try before you Buy option available)⁠
→ How to: Handle Nerves and Build Confidence for CSWs⁠ (Try before you Buy option available)⁠
→ How to: Notetaking for CSWs⁠
→ How to: Self-Employment for R/TSLIs⁠
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All self-paced. All online. All yours.⁠
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Start this summer and get ready for September👉 Click the link to explore the courses: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/

21/07/2025

Think all Deaf students use British Sign Language (BSL)? Think again👀⁠
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Support isn’t one-size-fits-all, and assuming it is can do more harm than good.⁠
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In our latest blog, Amy from Living With Hearing Loss shares her powerful lived experience as a hard of hearing student who lipreads, uses hearing aids, and doesn't use BSL.⁠

She opens up about the real needs behind the label, the impact of being misunderstood, and what true, person-centred support should look like from a Communication Support Worker (CSW).⁠
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💡 You'll learn:⁠
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✔️ Why asking, not assuming, is essential⁠
✔️ How to support oral Deaf students in class⁠
✔️ The small mistakes that can undermine trust, and how to avoid them⁠
✔️ Why learning BSL is only part of the journey⁠
✔️ How CSWs can become better allies to the wider Deaf community⁠
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This is a must-read for CSWs, teachers, and anyone serious about inclusive education.⁠

Start reading:

Discover the importance of understanding diverse Deaf communication needs beyond BSL. Practical tips for CSWs to empower and support all Deaf students.

17/07/2025

🎉 We’ve done it AGAIN!⁠🤩

Deaf Umbrella Ltd has just been crowned Winner of the "Business Training and Education of the Year 2025" (Greater London) by Business Awards UK!⁠
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This one’s for the employers, the colleges/schools, and every Deaf person who deserves support that’s MORE THAN “GOOD ENOUGH.”⁠
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We create practical, CPD-accredited training for Communication Support Workers, and we’re on a mission to raise the standard across the UK.⁠
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💬 Deaf people deserve the best support possible, and now, there’s no excuse not to give it to them.⁠
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👉 Employers: Train your staff⁠
👉 Colleges/School: Support your CSWs⁠
👉 Students: Learn with confidence⁠
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📚 Join the award-winning platform: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/
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17/07/2025

CSWs wanted for workplace assignments in Kent

Deaf Umbrella is looking for Communication Support Workers (CSWs) for various workplace assignments across Kent.

Hours: Flexible, various days and times available
Position: Freelance and PAYE options

If you're a skilled CSW and want to support Deaf individuals in the workplace, get in touch for more details!

Contact us: recruitment@defumbrella.com

Explore rewarding career opportunities with Deaf Umbrella. Join us in promoting accessibility and inclusion in education and the workplace.

16/07/2025

🔎 Are you a CSW supporting Deaf students?⁠
Then you’ve probably asked yourself at some point:⁠
“Am I doing too much… or not enough?”⁠
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We’ve pulled together 6 must-know principles for supporting Deaf students with confidence and turned them into a FREE downloadable checklist just for you! ✨⁠
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Take 2 minutes to refresh your practice and keep your support consistent, clear, and professional.⁠
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✅ 1. Clarify your role from day one⁠
Introduce yourself to both the student and tutor.⁠
Make it clear that your job is to support communication, not complete tasks for the student.⁠
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✅ 2. Build trust, but maintain boundaries⁠
Be reliable, approachable, and consistent.⁠
But remember: you’re not their therapist, personal assistant, or best friend. Boundaries protect everyone.⁠
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✅ 3. Encourage independence⁠
Support the student, but don’t speak for them.⁠
Guide them to ask questions, solve problems, and interact with peers without relying on you socially.⁠
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✅ 4. Support learning with integrity⁠
Make sure your support adds access, not shortcuts.⁠
Keep notes clear, adapt materials when needed—but never oversimplify or change the meaning.⁠
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✅ 5. Take care of yourself⁠
Working closely with students can be emotionally demanding.⁠
Don’t wait until you burn out—seek peer support, training, and regular check-ins.⁠
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✅ 6. Keep developing your skills⁠
This role is constantly evolving.⁠
Courses, CPD, and tools like this checklist help you stay confident, consistent, and professional.⁠
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🎁 Want all these reminders in one place?⁠
Download our FREE CSW Student Support Checklist made by CSWs, for CSWs: https://www.deafumbrella.com/ebook-csw-checklist
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14/07/2025

🎪 Festival season is here — but is your access sorted?

Our latest blog dives into the reality of being Deaf or hard of hearing at UK festivals. From BSL interpreters and hearing loops to how (and when) to ask for access, plus a list of summer festivals doing it right 💪

Oh, and don’t miss our bonus ear protection tips from Living With Hearing Loss, too 👂🎶

Read it here: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/inclusive-festivals-deaf-access

Deaf Rave Deaf Rave Deaffest Edinburgh Deaf Festival Manchester Deaf Centre Mayflower Theatre Norfolk Deaf Festival

Planning your festival summer? Discover how to make events more Deaf-inclusive — and where to go for BSL, captions, and access that actually works.

14/07/2025

🎉 We’ve been shortlisted — again! 🎉

Deaf Umbrella Ltd is proud to be a finalist for the Business Training and Education of the Year 2025 (Greater London) award by Business Awards UK!

This award recognises organisations that raise standards, improve performance, and invest in real training that makes a difference, and we’re proud to be leading the way.

Whether you're:
✅ An employer with Deaf staff
✅ A college supporting Deaf students
✅ Or a CSW working in education or the workplace...

Now is the perfect time to explore CPD-accredited training that goes beyond BSL classes and gets to the heart of what Deaf people really need: confident, prepared, and professional support.

🧑‍💼 Employers and coordinators: Your internal training budget could cover this.
💬 CSWs: Talk to your manager and ask if they’ll fund your place.

📚 View our award-winning courses: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com

🎓 Try the first lesson free on our most popular courses!

14/07/2025

We’ve just sent out a newsletter packed with insights you don’t want to miss. If you’re thinking about becoming a Professional Communication Support Worker (CSW) or advancing your BSL skills, now’s the perfect time!

🔍 Inside, we talk about why just having a certificate isn’t enough—you need the confidence and skills to really make an impact. And with September around the corner, there’s no better moment to upgrade your skills and get ready for the new academic year.
Plus, we're giving away a FREE CSW eBook, full of practical tips and expert advice!

Ready to take your career to the next level?

Check out the full newsletter and grab your free eBook here >>

BECOME A CONFIDENT, PROFESSIONAL CSW THIS SEPTEMBER