Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Group on Deaf Issues and North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has today called for a Welsh Government Statement on support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing during next week's UK Deaf Awareness Week 2025, 5th to 11th May.
Speaking in this afternoon’s Business Statement in the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood said the theme of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week is 'Beyond Silence'.
He said:
“This is focused on breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, celebrating the diverse ways Deaf people communicate, and highlighting the richness of deaf culture; and aims to challenge misconceptions about deafness, promoting understanding and building a more inclusive world for all.
“The week promotes inclusivity by advocating for improved accessibility in workplaces, education and public spaces, and by encouraging understanding of the diverse communication methods used by Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
“Ahead of Deaf Awareness Week, I met with DSN, the Deaf and Sensory Network, on Monday, to discuss their work as provider of the adult social care contracts for the Deaf community in Wrexham and Flintshire. So, I'd welcome Statements - one this week, one next week - on those two items.”
In her response, the Trefnydd, Jane Hutt MS, said:
“I think it's important that we recognise that we need to ensure that all Deaf people and their carers know where they can access services, care and support in their local community, and provide assurance that they will have rapid access to services and support when they need it.”