Deaf Culture

Deaf people have their own history, arts, sports, language and much, much more with a strong base of creative individuals and professionals regularly exploring and developing new innovations in the deaf world.

Deaf artist groups regularly meet to share their views and ideas and create works of art that reflect their views of the world. Deaf actors and touring companies travel to theatres all over the UK performing plays overseen by the unique perspective of deaf directors.

Sport is also a very important part of deaf culture. There is a deaf Cup where deaf people compete with each other all over the country in various sports and there is a long history of deaf football, cricket, netball and many other sports.

There are many social activities and deaf people regularly arrange meetings in clubs, pubs and unique venues like Birmingham’s first purpose built Deaf Cultural Centre.  In addition to this, regular festivals and rallies such as the Blackpool Rally, Deaf Fest and Creative Hands are held which are commonly known to deaf people.

There are also churches that deaf people regularly attend where there is a signing vicar, in some cases a deaf vicar, and there is a deaf choir that sign the hymns.

Many of the developments within the deaf world are documented by deaf historians and authors who offer historical and up to date interpretations of deaf community developments.  Other aspects of life such as music are explored by deaf DJ’s and musicians and there is a fast emerging group of film directors and writers that regularly explore deaf issues through their work.

These are just some of the ways that deaf people explore their culture and shape the world around them, raising awareness of the barriers that they face in everyday life.