Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has spoken out after new research found that almost a quarter of the public would avoid a deaf person if they thought interacting with them would be too difficult.
The findings from hearing loss charity RNID underscore the persistent barriers deaf individuals encounter in daily life, from mundane tasks like shopping to crucial medical appointments and social engagements.
Ghouri, who was born deaf, is a vocal advocate for RNID’s ‘It Does Matter’ campaign, which aims to equip people with straightforward communication tips and introductory British Sign Language (BSL) phrases.
She said living in “a world made for hearing people can feel like being in an invisible box,” but emphasised that “with a few simple changes, we can include everyone”.
The charity, which supports 18 million people across the UK living with deafness, hearing loss, or tinnitus, published these figures to coincide with Deaf Awareness Week, running from 4-10 May.
Despite growing representation on popular television programmes such as Strictly and The Great British Bake Off, the survey found that 23 per cent of respondents would still shy away from conversing with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss if they anticipated communication challenges.
Furthermore, nearly a third (32 per cent) admitted to worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing when engaging with deaf or hearing-impaired individuals.
And more than two in five (43%) of those questioned said they worry they may seem patronising when trying to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.
The study suggested that many people do want to communicate better with people who are deaf or have hearing loss, but think they may lack the necessary skills and confidence.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
The research found that more than two thirds (69%) of those asked think knowing how to communicate with deaf people and people with hearing loss is everyone’s responsibility.
The majority (78%) said they would be willing to learn simple ways to communicate with deaf people and those with hearing loss better.
Ghouri, who took part in the 2024 series of BBC show Strictly, said: “Being deaf in a world made for hearing people can feel like being in an invisible box. With a few simple changes, we can include everyone.
“Nobody should struggle doing everyday things like shopping, visiting the doctors or socialising. It’s time to smash the invisible barriers and build a society where everyone is included.
“I was born deaf, so I’m familiar with everyday challenges people with hearing loss face. How you’re forced to adapt, just to survive modern life. Things have moved on since I was younger, but this research shows there’s still a way to go.
“The good news is, a more inclusive world is within reach. By changing the way we communicate, with a few small adjustments we can ensure deaf people are part of the conversation and no longer face barriers and hurdles.”
Crystal Rolfe, the charity’s director of health, said: “This research is a stark reminder that we still live in a society that shuts out deaf people and those with hearing loss.
“Often this is unintentional, but for deaf people it means everyday activities and interactions can be full of invisible barriers – from visiting the shops to catching public transport.
“Negative experiences build up over time and have a significant impact, making people feel lonely and isolated, hitting their confidence.
“But there is hope. The research also confirms what we already know: that people do want to communicate better and recognise the importance of including everyone in the conversation, but may lack the skills and confidence.
“This Deaf Awareness week is the perfect opportunity to be more deaf-aware. By making small changes to how we communicate, we can break down the everyday communication barriers.
“Together we can ensure everyone is included and has the opportunity to thrive.”
People can sign up for RNID’s communication tips, including videos of simple BSL phrases, by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/it-does-matter