Tom Gordon launches parliamentary motion to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week.
This week, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, tabled a motion celebrating the 25th annual Deaf Awareness Week in the UK.
Starting in 2001, originally as Sign Language Week, Deaf Awareness Week focuses on promoting different communication methods for those with hearing impairments, hearing loss, and deaf people.
This year’s Deaf Awareness Week started on the Monday 5th of May, and is set to end on Sunday the 11th. The theme of 2025 is ‘Beyond Silence’, and focuses on breaking down barriers to accessibility.
Tom’s early day motion celebrates the importance Deaf Awareness Week has in raising awareness about hearing loss, and the diversity of communication methods present for deaf people.
It also acknowledges the richness of deaf culture, and congratulates the work of key national charities such as the British Deaf Association, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Commenting, Tom said:
“Deaf Awareness Week has been a real champion in tackling barriers to full accessibility for people with hearing impairments.
“I am proud to be launching this motion, to not only celebrate deaf culture but also raise awareness to issues facing the deaf community.
“With the fantastic work of so many national charities, we are able to support so many people with hearing loss, alongside their families. I believe everyone in society deserves the same opportunities for greatness, regardless of physical or mental disabilities. It is vital that we provide the resources necessary to give people living with disabilities those same opportunities.
“In a time when the Government is turning there backs on those living with disabilities, I am proud to be recognising the importance of accessibility, and proud to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week 2025”.
Recently elected Lib-Dem Town Councillor, Josie Caven, who is deaf, added:
“I want to commend North Yorkshire Council for publicly supporting Deaf Awareness Week and highlighting services that are essential to the lives of deaf and hearing-impaired residents.
“Deafness is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Many still experience significant barriers when accessing services and unfortunately support remains insufficient.
“We must move 'Beyond Silence' by being committed and active with the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Let this week serve as a catalyst for meaningful, lasting and inclusive change.”
ENDS
Text of the EDM can be found here:
That this House recognises the importance of, and celebrates, Deaf Awareness Week 2025; acknowledges this year’s theme, Beyond Silence; congratulates organisations such as the British Deaf Association, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and the National Deaf Children’s Society for the vital work they do in supporting deaf people, their families, and the wider deaf community; commends local councils, including North Yorkshire Council, for openly supporting Deaf Awareness Week; encourages local authorities, businesses, and other organisations to continue improving their information and support for the deaf community; celebrates the diverse ways in which deaf people communicate and the richness of Deaf culture; and further recognises the importance of breaking down barriers to full accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, as well as those with other physical and mental disabilities.