Deaf Umbrella

13/01/2026

📣 Calling all Deaf professionals who use Access to Work (AtW)!

DeafATW and RNID are urgently gathering data to challenge AtW support cuts: some Deaf people are seeing their budgets reduced by 50%.

They need your experience to build a strong case.

Deadline: Friday 16 January
Eligibility:
✔️ Deaf / Deafblind / Hearing Loss
✔️ Used or applied for AtW after 1 Oct 2024
✔️ Age 18+ and UK-based

Already filled it in?
Please share it with colleagues, post online, or help someone complete it.

📊 The more responses, the stronger the campaign.
🔗 Take the 15-minute survey (BSL + English): https://emea.focusvision.com/survey/selfserve/4545/251003?list=3 #?

BSL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LBJRp9F054

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

13/01/2026

A day with our BSL interpreters: from educational environment support, workplace meetings and community events, we’re there to make communication clear, confidential and culturally aware.
We’re experienced and trusted across London and the South East, so you can focus on what matters.
Want reliable interpreting or training that actually understands Deaf culture? Visit https://www.deafumbrella.com/ to learn more and book support today.
How can we help you this week?

12/01/2026

People love asking CODAs questions about Deaf parents. Some are sweet, others… well, let’s say they build character.

I wrote a new article answering the most common questions I get, using humour and real insight from my Deaf mum and dad.

If you want to learn something new and have a laugh, click the link:

A funny and eye opening look at the most common questions CODAs get about their Deaf parents. Learn something new and have a laugh along the way.

12/01/2026

Looking to boost your skills as a Communication Support Worker? Our CPD-accredited online courses are built by experts for practical, real-world impact.
Learn in bite-sized modules you can finish around work or study, complete short practical assessments, and gain knowledge aligned with UK safeguarding and workplace standards.
Improve your employability and the quality of support Deaf clients receive.
Ready to upskill? Find out more: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/

11/01/2026

NOW HIRING!⁠
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Cinemas, gyms, shops and cleaning jobs across London and the South East (Kent). We’ll support you every step of the way.⁠
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✅ Communication Support Worker at work⁠
✅ We apply for Access to Work⁠
✅ Paperwork? Sorted.⁠
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📩 If you're Deaf BSL user, DM us to register.⁠
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Full support. Real opportunities.⁠
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Want the BSL video? Comment "VIDEO", and we'll send it to your DMs. ⁠
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NowHiring

09/01/2026

We are heartbroken and outraged by this.
Because it’s not rare.
It’s happening in colleges across the UK... quietly, avoidably, and far too often.

And the reason?

- CSWs being hired with BSL Level 1 or 2
- No real training in classroom support, boundaries, or educational strategies
- Colleges choosing convenience over competence

Let’s be clear:
🔸 Knowing BSL doesn’t mean you’re qualified to support Deaf students academically.
🔸 BSL is a language. Being a CSW is a role.
🔸 And no Deaf student should ever have to pay the price for someone else's lack of training.

That’s why we created our CPD-accredited course Becoming a Professional CSW: to fill the gap between good intentions and good support.

Explore the course: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/professional-csw

👉 Colleges, if you’re hiring CSWs, this should be your standard.
👉 CSWs, if you’re in the job, please get trained. Deaf students deserve better.

09/01/2026

Ready to turn British Sign Language (BSL) learning into a career? We’ve seen learners move from BSL courses to roles as Communication Support Workers, and you can too! Our training focuses on practical skills, real workplace confidence, and clear pathways into paid roles.
Want to build your career in BSL or grow workforce skills in your organisation? Visit https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/ to explore courses and opportunities in London and the South East.

08/01/2026

Ever wondered how tailored communication support really works? We walk alongside Deaf clients and organisations across London and the South East to co-design the right package. We start by listening, combine lived experience with practical solutions, then deliver support that improves access to services and confidence in the room.
Want a plan that actually fits your needs? Let’s talk: https://www.deafumbrella.com/

07/01/2026

🔎 Are you a CSW supporting Deaf students?⁠ Then you might have asked you 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.⁠ Get your copy via DMs by commenting below "CHECKLIST".⁠
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⁠ CSWSupport

07/01/2026

Have you ever caught yourself making assumptions about what deaf people can or can’t do? It’s more common than you think, but it’s time to challenge those ideas.⁠
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Here’s how to break free from assumptions and see abilities with fresh eyes:⁠
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1️⃣ Don’t assume limitations.⁠
Just because someone is deaf doesn’t mean they’re incapable. Deaf people can drive, work in various fields, lead teams, and more, just like anyone else. The only thing they can’t do is hear. Avoid making assumptions based on hearing status alone.⁠
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2️⃣ Focus on abilities, not differences.⁠
Instead of wondering if a deaf person can do something, recognise their skills and strengths. Hearing loss doesn’t define their capabilities. Let’s focus on what everyone brings to the table.⁠
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3️⃣ Stay informed.⁠
It’s okay to have gaps in knowledge, but the key is to keep learning. Outdated assumptions create barriers. Educate yourself and you’ll see that deafness isn’t a limitation. It’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.⁠
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It’s time to drop the stereotypes and embrace everyone's full potential. ⁠
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Want to improve your Deaf Awareness? Get in touch with our friendly team to book your session! ⁠
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✨ FUN FACT ✨⁠
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Deaf drivers are statistically safer on the road due to:⁠
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- Fewer distractions (like loud music)⁠
- Superior peripheral vision⁠
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Being visually alert is second nature to deaf people, allowing them to compensate for the lack of hearing. Studies show they check their mirrors frequently (ideally, every 5-8 seconds) and respond quickly to potential hazards.⁠
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Alt text: Torn paper with the text "Wait, deaf people can drive?" on a purple and blue background.⁠
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05/01/2026

Hiring a Deaf person?
Access to Work covers the cost; we handle the rest.
No red tape. No stress. Just support.

💼 Let’s make it easy: www.deafumbrella.com/atw