The increasingly widespread use of face masks during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is presenting significant challenges for deaf and hard of hearing people who rely on non-verbal cues, facial expressions and lip reading to communicate. With the government making recommendations that face masks and face coverings are worn as lock-down is relaxed, it is worried that deaf people will struggle with communication in everyday life as well as critical care settings.
Deaf Action has been testing deaf-friendly face masks with windows for lipreading, from Breath-Easy in Edinburgh. We are seeking fundraising and donations so that as many front-line workers as possible have access to them and ensure deaf people have access to all communication, which is as important as ever at this time.
Help raise crucial funds by donating here.
Many thanks for your support!