Celebrating partnership: Deaf Action and Deaf History Scotland sign Memorandum of Understanding
We are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership between Deaf Action and Deaf History Scotland. Both organisations have a shared commitment to supporting and celebrating deaf people, culture, and heritage. By working together, we can achieve even more for the deaf community in Scotland and beyond.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a formal agreement that strengthens our collaborative work. It focuses on key areas such as preserving Scottish deaf heritage, supporting research, managing archives, and ensuring the history of our deaf communities is recognised and valued.
A shared vision for the future
Deaf Action’s mission is to empower deaf people to achieve their potential, ensuring equality of rights, access, and opportunity. Deaf History Scotland works to research, preserve, and promote the rich history of deaf people in Scotland. Together, we are committed to:
Protecting and promoting deaf heritage and culture – ensuring future generations understand the contributions of the deaf community.
Supporting research in deaf studies – sharing knowledge and resources.
Preserving the Scottish Deaf Archive – working together to care for important historical materials.
Encouraging collaboration – from funding applications to joint events and initiatives.
What this means in practice
Through this partnership, Deaf Action will provide space to house the Scottish Deaf Archive at our headquarters in Albany Street, Edinburgh. Deaf History Scotland will lead on archive development, policies, and training, while Deaf Action will ensure the physical security of these valuable materials.
Additionally, we will work together on events, fundraising, and promoting deaf history through displays, merchandise sales, and educational resources. Both organisations will continue to invite each other to relevant meetings, projects, and initiatives, fostering a spirit of cooperation.
Strengthening collaboration
This collaboration reflects the power of working together. By combining expertise and resources, we can ensure that Scotland’s deaf history is not only preserved but celebrated.
“We, Deaf History Scotland, are delighted to have agreed and signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Deaf Action. This agreement has cemented our excellent relationship with Deaf Action. We are entirely grateful to Deaf Action for their understanding of and support for our work with the Scottish Deaf Archives. We look forward to continuing our mutual ambition to have a Scottish Deaf Heritage Hub in Edinburgh.” – Lilian Lawson, Deaf History Scotland.
“At Deaf Action, we are proud to collaborate with Deaf History Scotland. Our shared goals mean we can create greater opportunities for deaf people to engage with their history and culture.” – Philip Gerrard, CEO, Deaf Action.
We look forward to seeing this partnership grow and flourish in the coming years. Stay tuned for updates on our joint projects and initiatives!
You can visit Deaf History Scotland’s website to find out more about the organisation and their work.
