New campaign launches to make the roadmap inclusive for those who are deaf or hard of hearing

The unexpected and devastating effect of Covid still continues for the deaf and hard of hearing. Living with Hearing Loss launches to help. A new website and tools to help businesses and people better support those who are unable to communicate wearing a face mask.

One in five of us rely on lipreading. The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unexpected and devastating effect on the deaf and hearing loss community. Face masks have made navigating the world incredibly difficult as those who are deaf or have hearing loss rely on lip reading and facial expression to communicate with others.

With lockdown lifting it’s easy to believe this is over, but it isn’t for the hearing loss community whilst masks continue to be mandated by the government. The Living with Hearing Loss message is that we all want to stay safe during Covid-19 and beyond, so let’s do that while having clarity in communication for all.

The campaign is being launched by Amy Morton, a mother of two, who has high frequency/severe hearing loss in both ears. Amy has created a digital space, which gives tools and information for businesses who can show support for the deaf and hard of hearing community. The tools include a downloadable poster, as well as informational booklets, that can be left in workspaces, for staff to read and know how to cater for people unable to communicate wearing a mask.

“One of the main issues”, says Amy, “is that staff are unaware that they are allowed to temporarily remove masks to converse with those who lip read. This is to be done at a safe distance, or behind a screen, but it simply means we can order a coffee, or get our nails done, just like anyone else. I’ve recently been into many large chains, and with people refusing to lower a mask, it makes it impossible for me to do what I set out to do there.”

The new site is also designed to support the deaf and hearing loss community, as all businesses that register to show support will be listed on site, so people will know where they can go and not be made to feel like they can’t communicate and get some confidence to get back into the world.

Supporting this important campaign is easy

• Share on social and tag businesses who you would like to see get involved. https://www.instagram.com/livingwithhearingloss/
• If you are a business, download the poster and speak to your team

“The Government has created a downloadable exemption card for people who are unable to communicate, which says ‘please remove your face covering so I can understand you better’ – but it’s just that this hasn’t had any media coverage and so nobody knows about it”, says Amy.

“With lockdown lifting, it’s easy to believe this is over, but it isn’t for the hearing loss community as masks continue to be a requirement’ says Amy. “Before Covid-19, I never saw my hearing loss as a disability, but now I do. It’s been quite a tough time for the whole community, and I just want to be able to create some normality for them, making the whole roadmap inclusive for them.”