Deaf Unity
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deafunity.bsky.social
Deaf Unity
@deafunity.bsky.social
72 followers 64 following 170 posts
The charity preparing deaf people for success
https://m.mtrbio.com/deaf-unity
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deafunity.bsky.social
Do you want to learn British Sign Language?
Our Signature Accredited Level 1 course starts in January!
It will cover a variety of topics to help you hold a basic conversation in BSL.
For more information and to register, visit the link in bio 🔗

#BritishSignLanguage
November 6, 2025 at 12:30 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
It's almost time for our Deaf Café this month. Come along on Friday 14th November at 6:30pm to Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre.

All BSL users and learners are welcome 🤗
November 5, 2025 at 12:13 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Last month, we caught up with Richard D France, a mental health campaigner, author and poet. We learnt all about his experiences and why mental health campaigning is so important. 
Thank you Richard! 👏
Full interview is available in BSL or English on our website - link in bio 🔗
Deaf Role Model of the Month - Richard D France. Image of Richard outside with trees in the background.
November 4, 2025 at 4:31 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
REMINDER 📣
Our next Deaf Lives event is this Saturday, 1pm at Bridgelink Centre, Isleworth.
A Cyber Protect Officer from Met Police will attend to do workshop on online safety.
Refreshments provided 🙌
Deaf Lives poster with information about the Cyber Safety session, on 8th November, 1pm - 4pm, at Bridgelink Centre.
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Are you interested in learning British Sign Language?

One of our students, Celia, shares her experience of learning the language and some top tips.

Make sure to check out our available courses if you'd also like to start your journey - https://f.mtr.cool/thzvgjagtq

#BSL
BSL Learner story. Selfie image of Celia and logo of Deaf Unity in the corner. Text at the bottom www.deafunity.org A testimonial from Celia, a secondary school TA, praising Deaf Unity's BSL course for its supportive tutor, easy navigation, and camaraderie in the class. Text graphic titled "Celia" with a testimonial about practicing BSL through TikTokers, YouTubers, and Zoom. Mentions being a TA for Year 9 BSL options course to support school access. Website: www.deafunity.org A testimonial by Celia praising Deaf Unity BSL courses as supportive, encouraging, and professional. Encourages learning despite mistakes. Her tip is to not be afraid of asking for help and making mistakes.
October 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Do you want to learn more about online safety? 🌐
Our next Deaf Lives event is 8th November, 1pm - 4pm 
Bridgelink Centre, Isleworth, TW7 
For more information, visit - https://f.mtr.cool/ynpxumgvka
Look forward to seeing you there 🙌
October 27, 2025 at 11:31 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Start the new year learning a new language 📣
Our next BSL courses start in January. Whether you're just starting out or wanting to continue your journey, we have a course for you. 
Sign up on our website 🌐
https://f.mtr.cool/houthkgkdz
Flyer for Deaf Unity's British Sign Language courses. Features include Zoom delivery, qualified tutors, Signature accreditation, and levels 1-6 starting January 2026. Contact at bsl@deafunity.org or visit deafunity.org.
October 21, 2025 at 12:04 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Our next Deaf Lives event is:
📅25th October
🕜5pm - 8pm
📍Hounslow Deaf Club, Lampton Family Hub, TW3 4JG
The Safer Communities Manager from London Borough of Hounslow will be attending to talk about safety in the local area. 
See you there 🙌
Deaf Lives poster for next event on 25th October, 5pm - 8pm in Hounslow.
October 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
It's almost time for our Deaf Café this month. Come along on Friday 10th October at 6:30pm to Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre.

All BSL users and learners are welcome 🤗
Photo of people at the Deaf Cafe sitting in circle. Text at the top saying "Deaf unity BSL Cafe". Deaf Unity logo in bottom corner and website www.deafunity.org
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
ALLFIE are currently looking for young Disabled people, aged 16 - 30, to be part of their campaign around the Government’s upcoming National SEND reforms and the Schools’ White paper. 

If you would like to take part, please email: events@allfie.org.uk with the subject "National SEND campaign".
Young Disabled People needed for ALLFIE's National SEND reform campaign! Weekly meetings running from September to the end of October 2025. Information about the campaign. Email events@allfie.org.uk if interested or for more information
October 7, 2025 at 10:01 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Applications are now open for @productionguild.bsky.social ’s Netflix Assistant Production Accountant Training, a 12-month paid programme for DDN accountants that combines classroom-based learning with hands-on experience through placements on @netflix.com  productions. https://f.mtr.cool/jqtziiocrp
Netflix Assistant Production Accountant Training Scheme. Kickstart your film and HETV accounting career with our 12-month paid programme, specifically aimed at Deaf, Disabled or Neurodivergent (DDN) accountants.
October 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
📣October Events 📣
Our Events page is full of upcoming accessible events around the country. 
Here are a few of them!
For all events, visit - https://f.mtr.cool/qwovslmupw

#DeafCommunity
4th October Deaf Rave Family Day Festival BSL London 4th October Chiasato Minamimura: Mark of a Woman Deaf-led Lowry, Salford 14th October Deaf Lives Project - Citizens Advice BSL interpreted Bridgelink Centre, Hounslow 18th October BSL Exhibition Tour with Chisato Minamimura BSL Copeland Gallery, London
October 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Featured Jobs 📣

We have new opportunities on our jobs board from companies wanting to attract diverse talent.

For all open jobs, information and to apply, visit our jobs board - link in bio 🔗

#DeafJobs #DeafCareers
Background image of person using laptop. Featured jobs next to company logos: MHFA England - Customer Support Advisor, London Gorse - Communication Support Worker, Leeds London Sport - Senior Data Manager, Hybrid remote/London ITV - Finance Business Analyst, Manchester
October 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
📣Calling all deaf bakers! 🧁

Have YOU got what it takes to bake in the famous white tent?

If you or someone you know is a talented home baker then apply now at https://f.mtr.cool/ibkxcizyfc or email them on applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk 

Closing date is 1pm on Monday 15th December 2025.
Poster with information on how to apply for the next series of Great British Bake Off. Photo of the hosts holding macarons.
October 1, 2025 at 12:03 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Happy International Translation Day!
We sat down with an experienced BSL and IS translator, Adam McCormick, to discuss all about what it's like being a translator and why it's important.
Full article link in bio 🔗
#InternationalTranslationDay #BSLtranslation
September 30, 2025 at 12:31 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Earlier this month, we attended the Emergency Services Show. We spoke to lots of visitors interested in learning more about the work Deaf Unity does. 

We're excited to deliver more Deaf Awareness Training to these vital services to help breakdown barriers 🙌
two Deaf Unity staff stood at the stand at the Emergency Services Show. Entrance to the emergency services show Audience taking part in a BSL taster, all signing a letter of the alphabet
September 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Happy International Day of Sign Languages ✨

Did you know, there's over 300 different sign languages! How many do you know? 🤔

We're proud to support those on their journey to learning British Sign Language. Today, we have 6 courses running!

#InternationalDayOfSignLanguages #BSL
International day of sign languages Swedish Sign Language was one of the first to be recognised as a language for deaf people by its government in 1981. Argentine Sign Language is one of the most recent sign languages to be recognised by their government, which was in 2023. Like spoken languages, sign languages have families. For example, ASL and LSF are from the Francosign family. BSL, Auslan and New Zealand Sign are from the BANZSL family. International Sign (IS) is a system to allow cross-communication, often used at international events and conferences.
September 23, 2025 at 12:10 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Our Deaf Lives Project is active in Hounslow. We've had some interesting workshops already and have lots more planned for the year.

Visit our Events page for more information - https://f.mtr.cool/geaejwmxsv

See you there ✨

#DeafLives #DeafCommunity
5 calendar pages with details of upcoming Deaf Lives events. Three images in the corner from previous events. At the bottom there is text saying Deaf Lives Project. Funded by Heathrow Community Trust and Barchester's Charitable Foundation.
September 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
It's not too late to sign up to a BSL course  📣
Are you still considering why you should start or continue your journey?
Here are just a few of the reasons!
We offer Introduction to BSL and Signature L1 - L6.
Sign up on our website - link in bio 🔗

#LearnBSL #BSL
Reasons to learn British Sign Language 1. celebrate diversity 2. Work as a BSL interpreter 3. Be deaf aware 4. Learn a new skill 5. Increase job opportunities
September 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Did you know Access to Work is a government scheme to support deaf and disabled people in work? 

You can make your workplace more inclusive by understanding how it works and supporting employees where necessary. 

Our full guide is available in BSL and English - link in bio

#NationalInclusionWeek
1. Benefits of Access to Work Access to Work is a government scheme that helps support deaf and disabled people start and stay in work. It can help you: Hire disabled people with the skills you need Retain an employee who develops a disability or health condition Show that you value your employees 2. How does it work? The employee will apply for Access to Work online or via phone. They are eligible if they are: Over 16 In, or about to start, paid employment Live and work in England, Scotland and Wales 3. Job Interviews Job applicants invited to interview can apply for communication support. Make sure applicants are aware of this so they can have the appropriate support. You could pay for the interview support direct to take away the extra work from the applicant. 4. How you can support Encourage employees to apply for Access to Work and support with the application where needed. The paperwork is an extra burden for the employee so consider allowing for ATW admin as part of the normal working hours.
September 18, 2025 at 11:01 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
Our stand is all set up at The Emergency Services Show 2025. We're excited to talk to visitors about how we can help them create an accessible emergency services.

📍If you're attending, come along to CZ38 and try your hand at BSL and learn more about the work Deaf Unity does.

#ESS2025
Image of Deaf Unity stand set up at the emergency services show.
September 17, 2025 at 12:30 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Our BSL taster sessions are a great way to introduce your workplace to the language, helping you to get one step closer to being more inclusive for deaf BSL users.
Contact us for more information:
🌐https://f.mtr.cool/qgigflrydi

#NowIsTheTime #NationalInclusionWeek
Image of people around a table practicing BSL with the teacher at the front of the class. Feedback text saying "The workshop was great - I found it especially impactful being in silence from the beginning right up until the very end of the session. Timothy was a great teacher!"
September 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
In August, we enjoyed a fun and informative workshop from Adam Breeze at SignVideo. He informed us all about 999BSL, when and how to use it. We also had some demo calls with an interpreter to practice.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to Adam for the engaging session! 

#DeafCommunity
Image of attendees at Deaf Lives each signing a letter/number from "999BSL".
September 16, 2025 at 11:14 AM
deafunity.bsky.social
📣This week is National Inclusion Week!

Here are some tips on onboarding deaf employees and making sure your workplace is inclusive.

If you would like the full PDF resources or any support, please contact us - https://f.mtr.cool/qtdpakeyoa 

#NowIsTheTime #NationalInclusionWeek
1. Deaf Awareness training Deaf awareness training can help communication between your new employee and their colleagues. It will empower hearing employees to communicate more confidently with their new colleague. 2. Make your workplace accessible Consider whether you can make any changes to make your workplace more accessible. Some of these changes may be covered by Access to Work. Example: You could improve background noise by keeping music low, having carpets and soft furnishings. 3. Adapt onboarding materials Consider if any of your onboarding materials or staff handbooks could be adapted. Translate written materials to BSL. Add captions to video content. Add BSL in-vision to video content. Use plain English 4. Accessible Meetings Check if anyone needs communication support. For example, a BSL interpreter, lip speaker or text alternative to speech (notetaker, STTR, automatic captions). Schedule breaks. Test technology before the meeting.
September 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
deafunity.bsky.social
Did you attend any of our summer masterclass workshops? ☀️

We had some lovely feedback and it was great to see everyone eager to learn more about the language. 

If you missed out, don't worry! Stay tuned for more workshops covering different topics and levels 👀

#LearnBSL #BSL #BritishSignLanguage
quote from feedback "Excellent workshop! The tutor explained non manual and manual features so well for the mixed ability group. I'll definitely do more classes and courses with Deaf Unity in future." Screenshot below from the workshop with 7 people.
September 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM