Our building restoration works

24-11-2022

News

Front of Deaf Action's buidling with black door and Georgian windows

As the oldest deaf charity in the world, we have called 49 Albany Street in Edinburgh our home since 1889. We understand the significance our building has for the deaf community and its heritage. That’s why we have committed to the ongoing restoration of the building, ensuring we can offer a space that is fit to serve our communities today, …

Jemma’s story: ‘My journey into employment’

22-11-2022

News

Woman in white top turning towards camera while using coffee machine

“After reaching out to Deaf Action’s Employability service, I met with Carole who invited me in for an appointment. We discussed my CV and she helped me look for vacancies online. Carole suggested we met with a recruiter, who could help me on my job search. During my first appointment with Carole, we saw the newly refurbished Blackwood Bar. While …

Top tips for working with BSL/English interpreters

10-11-2022

News

Hands showing BSL sign for interpreter

If you’re new to working with interpreters, we’ve put together this essential guide so you know what to expect. Interpreters aid communication between deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) and hearing people who use English. The interpreter will relay information by listening to spoken English and interpreting it into BSL, or will watch the BSL and translate it …

Edinburgh Deaf Festival 2023 dates announced

30-09-2022

Festival

Three people standing in front of Edinburgh Deaf Festival bunting

Following the success of the inaugural Edinburgh Deaf Festival, we are delighted to announce it will be back next year, taking place from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 August 2023.  Organised by Deaf Action, this year’s festival was a celebration of deaf culture, language and identity. With over 100 performances including comedy, theatre, cabaret, and heritage tours, the festival put …

Making the Edinburgh festival season accessible

22-09-2022

Festival

Hands pinning up green post-it which reads 'best festival ever'

Last month, Deaf Action hosted the inaugural Edinburgh Deaf Festival, a week-long celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. But that wasn’t the end of our involvement in the Edinburgh festivals. Our skilled team coordinated interpreters and captioners for both the Edinburgh Deaf Festival and Fringe performances throughout August, making even more of the festival season accessible to deaf people. …

The first Edinburgh Deaf Festival gets underway

12-08-2022

Festival

Five people standing holding Edinburgh deaf festival bunting

Pictured: Philip Gerrard, Stephen Robinson, Nadia Nadarajah and Gavin Lilley. Photo by Colin Hattersley. Today sees the launch of the first ever Edinburgh Deaf Festival, with a programme of more than 100 performances over eight days. Among those at the launch were the award-winning mime artist DeafMimo, Mae Al-Kalamchi from the children’s magic show Once Upon A raindrop and deaf …

Interpreter support drop-in sessions during Edinburgh Deaf Festival

10-08-2022

News

woman signing over a cup of coffee
Interpreter support drop-in sessions during Edinburgh Deaf Festival We are pleased to announce there will be daily interpreter drop-in sessions available to all interpreters working throughout Edinburgh Deaf Festival. Marion Fletcher and/or Tessa Slaughter will be available from 12 to 1pm everyday (12th – 19th August) to offer support, debrief or mentoring for any interpreters working at the festival. These ...

Deaf Action has a new look

21-07-2022

News

Deaf
Click for BSL video Introducing our vibrant new brand identity Today is an exciting time for Deaf Action, as we unveil our new brand identity. As the oldest deaf charity in the world, we are an organisation with long standing heritage, and we’ve got a lot to be proud of. Our commitment to the deaf community has led us to ...

Our tribute to Rose Ayling Ellis at Fleurs De Ville FEMME

25-06-2022

News

Flower covered mannequin
A celebration of remarkable women, the Fleurs De Villes event is currently at St James Quarter in Edinburgh. We're thrilled to have sponsored a floral installation, in our spectacular tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis. Rose made history as the first deaf contestant and winner of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, proving that deaf people can do anything. She's helped increase deaf awareness ...

Edinburgh Deaf Festival programme launched at spectacular event

20-06-2022

Festival

Three people signing 'festival'

Pictured: Jamie Rea, Solar Bear; Shona McCarthy, Edinburgh Fringe Festival CEO, Philip Gerrard, Deaf Action CEO Deaf Action was delighted to host people from across the arts, business, charity and politics sectors at Bonnie & Wild, within St James Quarter, on Thursday 17 June, to welcome the programme launch of the Edinburgh Deaf Festival. Unique in Scotland and the rest …