DEAL - Digital Education & Accessible Learning

Supporting HE students who are deaf/hard of hearing, dyslexic, or who have English as a second or other language.

Universities traditionally place much emphasis on text based learning and assessment, access demanding high levels of literacy and the acquisition of technical and abstract vocabulary. Deaf students can therefore encounter multiple systemic barriers to academic success. Our research set out to remove some of the inequities that exist in access to higher education. It does so through striving for barrier free designs in online learning.

Although our prime focus is on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) learners, research suggests that other students with literacy and language difficulties also benefit from subtitling and visual materials. These include those who are neurodiverse, particularly those with dyslexia (DYS), and those who speak English as a Second or Other Language (L2) and therefore there is much also to be gained from examining how these other two groups benefit. This research proposes a radical change in the way that subtitling is usually conceived. It brings new meaning to the concept of interpretation and access.

These research findings provide a much needed evidence base for existing guidelines. In doing so they extend the remit of the project to the wider group of deaf users, including those who are older, who are increasingly likely to be using the web enabling them to access more challenging and thought provoking material. It has relevance for further education providers and for community organisations (including museums, galleries) whose brief includes communicating complex ideas to all users.

More information about the DEAL project can be found here, along with the research findings

This Is Me

A national project giving deaf children the opportunity to explore their sense of identity, who they are and to present this in a way that suits them, be it through art, animation, writing, film or music, so they have the chance to say ‘This is me!’ in a creative and positive way.

Child celebrating

Sex Safety First

An England-wide project working with young deaf people from age 10 upwards, providing a series of workshops and online support around Puberty, Peer Relationships, Appropriate Behaviour, Consent and Readiness, Conception and Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections. In addition, we are working with parents and teachers to enable them to support deaf children through adolescence. We also provide specialist deaf–awareness training for health practitioners working in sexual health clinics, surgeries and hospitals.

Child celebrating

Life Control

A London focused project supporting deaf young people in their transition to adulthood and independent living as they take control of their lives and futures. The project is delivering workshops covering the topics of:- Identity – who am I and what do I want from life?; Sexual Health – my body, my health, my choice; Life Online – internet safe and savvy; Healthy Living – Big Mac and Fries each night?; Out and About – streetwise and street safe; Money Matters – budgeting for life.

What’s Happening to Me?

A nationwide training programme which had a particular focus in Scotland during 2016. We delivered workshops to schools, clubs and relevant organisations working with deaf young people promoting sexual health and wellbeing training covering:- Puberty, Peer Relationships, Sexual Behaviour, Safe Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections.