7 tech ideas to help people who are D/deaf or have hearing loss

Annie Mannion | 24 Apr 2024

With Deaf Awareness Week coming up from 6 - 12 May 2024, we're highlighting some ground-breaking tech and digital resources that might make a difference to you or someone you know who is d/Deaf or has hearing loss or a hearing impairment.

Woman with earplug in ear1. Blog: 9 apps to help people who are D/deaf or have hearing loss

Check out this bite-sized selection of the latest tech options available for communication, leisure and education for people who have hearing loss.

Access the advice

2. Factsheet: Hearing loss and computing - including an Easy Read version

Assistive devices can transcend potential barriers, but each person and their requirements are unique.

If you're supporting someone at work with a hearing loss, you should also enquire about and provide reasonable adjustments, adaptations and support so that people with hearing loss can enjoy equal access to services and do not face barriers to employment or experience discrimination at work.

Read the Hearing loss factsheet (you can also download the Easy Read version)

3. Video: Top tips for how tech can help with hearing loss

During this free webinar playback AbilityNet, Thoughtworks, and SignHealth, shared their top tips on how tech can help d/Deaf people and those who have experienced hearing loss. The recording includes British Sign Language translation, and transcript download.

4. Get help from our Tech Volunteers

AbilityNet's network of 450+ Tech Volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age. They can help you with all sorts of technology challenges. Get in touch for support with tech advice for hearing-related questions and other issues.

Use our online tool My Computer My Way for step-by-step guidance about getting online and using your digital device.

5. Book Disability Awareness Training for your team

Group of office workers sitting at a tableFind out from disabled people with lived experience how technology can support those who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Choose from in-house training for your team, an individual online course or eLearning.

Some comments from our lived experience training courses including hearing, visual, physical, neurodiversity and mental health topics:

  • "The panellists speaking about their lives experience was incredibly helpful and informative."
  • "Really agree with others - best online training session I have attended."
  • "Being able to listen to lived experiences of people was the most valuable for me, as it is only so much you can learn from theory and books."

Book team training

 

6. Attend a free webinar: How to get help with your digital devices

Join a FREE webinar on Thursday 6 June 2024 between 1pm - 2pm BST to learn how technology can provide a helping hand to disabled people and older people. Experts from AbilityNet will be joined by guest speakers from BT Group to highlight how we can help with your tech queries and provide 121 support.

In the webinar you'll discover:

  • Simple ways to learn how to use your devices
  • Tips for assistive technology that can help with hearing, visual, motor and cognitive impairments - including accessing and using the tools that are already present on many common digital devices
  • How to get help where you live from an AbilityNet or BT Group volunteer

Register for the webinar

7. Further hearing loss and technology resources

Around 12 million people in the UK are D/deaf or have hearing loss. We've gathered a range of resources you can signpost people to, to help individuals manage their hearing loss and remove potential barriers to full participation in education, work, and leisure activities. 

Explore AbilityNet's hearing-related resources 

Greg White standing smiling against a rock wall backgroundCan you help someone else use a digital device?
Do you have some spare time available to help people in your community learn basic computer skills?
"Volunteering at AbilityNet gives me the opportunity to build upon my experience and skills, which in turn enables people to live a healthy and productive life - it’s a truly rewarding and inspiring environment.” - Greg White, AbilityNet Tech Volunteer, Manchester 
Become a Tech Volunteer
 

How AbilityNet can help you

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

  • Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028
    Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls
  • Access free factsheets about technology. Topics include voice recognition and keyboard alternatives.
  • My Computer My Way: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

AbilityNet accessibility services

Support AbilityNet

If you're able to help us help others please donate to AbilityNet