Deaf Umbrella

24/02/2026

Still struggling to engage your Deaf students? This might be why your ‘support’ isn’t working.⁠
⁠
Relying on a radio aid or hoping they’ll “lipread fine” isn’t enough. Many Deaf students sit in lessons without access to what’s happening, especially in fast-paced or group settings.⁠
⁠
👉 Did you know that CSWs (Communication Support Workers) are trained to bridge this exact gap?⁠
They adapt to each student’s communication needs and help them access content without losing independence.⁠
⁠
Download our free eBook "How to Support Deaf Students in Your College", packed with checklists, strategies, and tools to help your team get it right this term: https://www.deafumbrella.com/ebook-colleges

24/02/2026

Our online CPD courses for Communication Support Workers walk learners through practical modules, real-world scenarios, and skills you can use from day one — from confident communication to inclusive classroom practice.
Learners leave more competent, calm and ready to support Deaf students and colleagues. Employers and education providers across the UK gain reliable, disability-confident CSWs who raise service quality and inclusion.
Find out more: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/

23/02/2026

The best accommodation you can give a Deaf or disabled employee is simple: Believe them.Then act.

Believe them when they say they are capable.
Believe them when they say they need support.
Believe them when they say they are BOTH.

Workplaces often don’t fail at adjustments, but at trust.

This article explains why belief is the foundation of accessible employment and how HR teams and employers can turn belief into real, meaningful action.

Want help navigating recruitment, adjustments, or Access to Work?

We’re here.💜 Deaf Umbrella

Workplace accommodations start with belief. Why trusting disabled employees is the first step toward real inclusion.

23/02/2026

Secure your session for Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May 2026) before it's too late.⁠
⁠
⁠

23/02/2026

Ready to level up your CSW career? We’re here to help! At Deaf Umbrella we offer CPD-focused pathways — online modules, clear skill milestones, and practical steps that build confidence and increase bookings.
Our training is trusted across the UK and designed for CSWs, BSL learners.

Learn more and join our courses: https://deafumbrella.mykajabi.com/

20/02/2026

At Deaf Umbrella we provide high-quality British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting, Communication Support Workers (CSWs) and assistive tech to help Deaf people access jobs and education with confidence.
From our online job club to CPD-accredited training and free resources, we support real outcomes: greater independence, clearer workplace communication and better access to opportunities.

Want to find out how we can help you or your organisation? Visit https://deafumbrella.com to get started!

18/02/2026

💡 How to respond to… Part 9⁠
⁠
Sadly, many Deaf job seekers know this moment well: when your skills got you the interview, but your identity suddenly becomes a “surprise” to explain.⁠
⁠
Disclosing a disability is always a personal choice. But that choice shouldn’t come with guilt, pressure, or the fear of being misunderstood.⁠
⁠
Swipe for 5 clear, powerful responses to handle this moment with confidence and set the tone for the rest of the interview, without apology💪⁠
⁠
Because being Deaf isn’t a red flag.⁠
It’s not deception.⁠
And it certainly doesn’t belong in the “gotcha” part of an interview.⁠
⁠
📌 Save this. Share it. And if you’ve faced this question before, we see you💜⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
AccessMatters DeafAndEmployed

18/02/2026

"The sessions was very informative and effective in creating awareness. The key points were clearly explained and easy to understand."

"Such a great course, it has helped all of us here so much. Our hearing and deaf staff all found it very useful and enjoyable."

"The communication between staff has increased and become a lot easier.

Thank you Abi and all at deaf umbrella who make it possible."

This is the feedback we receive after Deaf Awareness Training sessions.

May dates are filling quickly.

https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/why-book-deaf-awareness-training-early

17/02/2026

Every year, employers contact us in April asking for Deaf Awareness Training for Deaf Awareness Week in May (4-10 May 2026).⁠
⁠
Every year, we have to say no because we are fully booked.⁠
⁠
With 25 years of experience delivering Deaf Awareness Training across London and Kent, we know how quickly Deaf Awareness Week fills up.⁠
⁠
Booking early avoids disappointment.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

17/02/2026

I spent my childhood in Deaf clubs.

They were noisy. Warm. Chaotic.
Full of stories, gossip, arguments, laughter, and sign language everywhere.

For my Deaf parents, Deaf clubs were where life happened after school ended at 16.

Today, many Deaf clubs are closing.
Funding is shrinking. Attendance is dropping.
And not everyone can access or replace that community online.

I’ve written a personal article about why Deaf clubs still matter, especially for Deaf young people.

👉 Click the link if you’d like to read it:

I grew up in a Deaf club. Here’s why these spaces still matter, and what the Deaf community risks losing if they disappear.

16/02/2026

A special day delivering Deaf Awareness Training at Morgan’s Butchery.

Their team has just received a prestigious Equality and Diversity award and will be travelling to the United Nations tomorrow to collect their recognition at the Zero Project Conference 2026.

This level of commitment to inclusion is powerful.

It shows that accessibility is not just policy. It is people making the effort to learn, understand, and improve communication.

Every training session creates more confident staff, better communication, and safer, more inclusive environments.

We are proud to be part of their journey 💜

16/02/2026

There are behaviours that despite of being completely acceptable within the Deaf community, in the hearing community might be seen as "rude".⁠
⁠
Pointing during a conversation is normal for the Deaf community. We use pointing as a part of our language and is a normal cultural behaviour. This is often used as a means of establishing a reference point.⁠
⁠
This disconcerts many hearing people who were taught “it’s not polite to point".⁠
⁠
Want to know more about the socially acceptable behaviours in the Deaf community? ⁠ Read the article here: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/socially-acceptable-behaviours-in-the-deaf-community-that-i-want-you-to-know
⁠
⁠