D/deaf Awareness Training

PN Inclusion delivers bespoke D/deaf Awareness Training to help your team understand the needs and culture of Deaf and Deafblind people.

What’s the difference between “Deaf” and “deaf”?

Deaf (with a capital D)
Refers to people who identify as part of the Deaf community. They often use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language and see Deafness as a cultural identity, not a disability.

deaf (with a lowercase d)
Refers to people with hearing loss who may not identify with Deaf culture. They might rely on spoken language, hearing aids, or lipreading rather than sign language.

Including both terms ensures respect for personal identity and lived experience.

What we offer:

Introductory Workshops

3‑hour sessions, up to 30 participants, includes certificate

One‑Day Courses

6‑hour in‑depth learning, up to 30 participants, includes certificate

Two‑Day Courses

12‑hour comprehensive coverage, up to 30 participants, includes certificate

Extended E‑Learning

24‑hour digital module, supports up to 300 learners, includes assessment and certificate

What You’ll Learn

D/deaf culture, identity, history
Types and models of deafness (medical vs social)
Communication barriers and clear strategies
Appropriate terminology
Basic British Sign Language (BSL) vocabulary
Insights into life experiences of Deaf and Deafblind people

Delivery Formats

In‑person workshops
Fully online or blended options
E‑learning for remote learners

Who’s Delivering

Delivered by experienced trainer Chris Lewis, a qualified BSL‑English interpreter and educator
Backed by PN Inclusion’s 30+ years in access training and support

Why It Matters

Improves communication with Deaf staff and customers
Helps meet legal and regulatory access requirements
Builds staff confidence and inclusive practices
Especially valuable for teams working with Deaf students transitioning to higher education

Case Study

Through our pool of over 40 BSL interpreters, we are now supporting 8 students in their full-time studies across a wide range of subject areas including Pharmacology, Architecture & Product Design.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable course and we laughed and enjoyed the interaction. On a serious note you could tell the staff were shocked by some of the elements of social exclusion, made us all really think. Thank you all for a great day!

Prestige Network delivered excellent levels of service provided by not only interpreters but also by the supporting staff.

Very professional service. The turn-around time for the initial cost was fantastic and came in lower than initial quotes received from other companies.

Get in touch to book

Need a tailored package or ongoing support? Contact us today to build a training programme that fits your needs.