'When approaching someone deaf, be patient'

As Deaf Awareness Week draws to a close, a man has called for better awareness in how people communicate with those with hearing loss.

William Stalwart, who is deaf, teaches British Sign Language (BSL) and tutors adults in Worcester.

He said the annual event, which runs until 10 May, was about the "promotion of awareness" around deafness and about how people with hearing loss perceived the world and the barriers they face, such as communication.

"When you're approaching somebody who is deaf, don't ignore us if it's good to be contacted by email or text only, not a phone call," he said.

Stavert, who also works with deaf children within education and goes into schools, said education around deafness had advanced since he was a child.

He previously said being in school in the 1960s and 70s was an "awful experience", especially because sign language was banned.

Stavert described his experience as "very overwhelming" and said it was difficult to try and lipread somebody who was teaching.

Speaking through an interpreter via the online app Sign Wow, he said he had seen more representation of deafness in social media and deaf actors and performers in the media, as well as programmes.

"What I would like to say is be more aware," he said.

"I think I'd love to say to you all, don't run away, think around that conversation, how you can have a conversation. I would ask that you are patient, don't be afraid, give it a go."

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