Deaf awareness

Inclusion through training

About project

Our Deaf Awareness Project aims to enhance inclusivity for deaf people across Europe by raising awareness among non-deaf professionals. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, this initiative brings together educational centres from Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Italy, with the shared goal of promoting a deeper understanding of deaf culture and the challenges faced by the deaf citizens.

A central aspect of the project is the development of a deaf awareness training for non-deaf adults working in the public sector, companies, and non-profit organisations in these four countries. This training is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate with and support deaf people in their respective fields.

The project integrates recent research and best practices into its approach to ensure up-to-date concepts and solutions. The comprehensive workshop will provide participants with practical insights into deaf experiences, communication strategies, and ways to foster inclusive environments, ensuring workplaces and public spaces become more accessible.

By empowering non-deaf professionals with the tools to create more inclusive settings, the initiative seeks to drive meaningful change in how deaf people are perceived and supported across various sectors. With the collaboration of partners in Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Italy, this project aspires to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Inclusion starts with awareness

Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with awareness, understanding, and open communication. Our deaf awareness training helps companies, schools, and organisations create environments where everyone feels included, respected, and understood.

Led by deaf trainers, this dynamic and interactive session opens participants’ eyes to what it really means to communicate effectively.

Together, we explore:

  • Common misconceptions about being deaf and hearing loss
  • The richness of Deaf culture, community, and identity
  • How to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing people
  • Accessibility and deaf rights in professional and educational settings
  • Practical exercises and sign language basics you can use right away

This training goes beyond theory. It changes how people think, interact, and connect. It gives teams the confidence to engage with deaf and hard of hearing colleagues, clients, or students in ways that are natural, respectful, and inclusive.

By the end of the session, your staff won’t just know more. They’ll see differently.

Invite us to deliver a deaf awareness training at your workplace, school, or institution, and take the next step toward meaningful inclusion.

“Deaf, Not Broken!” – A glimpse into the reality of deaf employees

“Deaf, Not Broken!” is a short film that blends realism with subtle humor to highlight the everyday experiences of deaf employees in the workplace. By showing relatable situations with a touch of irony, it sparks awareness and encourages reflection on inclusion and accessibility.

Produced by Signomy in collaboration with Empoway, Listen Up Foundation, and Associação Portuguesa de Surdos, this video is part of our deaf awareness project for professionals in companies, organisations, and schools.

It’s an invitation not just to watch, but to listen, learn, and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

Be an ally to deaf people

Ever wondered how you can support the deaf people in your workplace? This video shares five practical tips to foster inclusion, improve communication, and create an accessible environment for deaf colleagues.

Small steps can make a big impact. Watch, learn, and start becoming an ally today.

More than a checkbox

Inclusion is more than just ticking a box. This video explains why tokenism, the practice of including deaf employees only symbolically without providing real support or opportunities, does not lead to genuine inclusion.

It highlights how organisations can actively create an inclusive environment by fostering clear communication, improving accessibility, and engaging deaf employees in meaningful ways. Moving beyond tokenism allows deaf employees to thrive, contribute fully, and feel truly valued. At the same time, it benefits the organisation by improving team performance, increasing engagement, and creating a more productive, equitable, and genuinely inclusive workplace for everyone.

Debunking myths about deaf people and sign language

Many myths and misconceptions about deaf people and sign language still persist. This educational video explores these misunderstandings and reveals the real facts.

It provides clear information to challenge common stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster more inclusive attitudes and practices. Watch, learn, and discover how knowledge can help create a more informed and inclusive environment for deaf people.

Promoting inclusion across Europe

The Deaf Awareness Project has completed its first year, engaging participants and organisations across Europe. From the preparatory meeting in Portugal to production and test training in Bulgaria, and through physical and online workshops in four countries including a European-level session in Brussels, the project has reached professionals dedicated to promoting inclusion.

The workshops are now open for further requests. Check our brochure and contact us to bring deaf awareness training to your company, organisation, or school.

Project team

Our team, comprised of members from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, and Portugal, is dedicated to supporting non-deaf professionals in fostering inclusion and improving communication between deaf and non-deaf citizens.

We bring together diverse expertise from fields such as education, health, administration, social work, and deaf research to offer practical tools and insights. By working collaboratively, we aim to empower professionals and create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

Silviya Chapkanova
Silviya ChapkanovaExpert
Silviya is an expert in sign language teaching and deaf education. As president of the Listen Up Foundation in Bulgaria, she is dedicated to empowering deaf families and strengthening deaf communities. Her work focuses on promoting sign language fluency and improving communication between deaf and hearing people.
Pedro Mourão
Pedro MourãoExpert
Pedro is the executive coordinator of Associação Portuguesa de Surdos and an expert in deaf advocacy and administration. He specialises in advancing deaf rights, promoting inclusion, and enhancing communication and access for the deaf community in Portugal.
Ine Martens
Ine MartensExpert
Ine is a PhD researcher at Heriot-Watt University and teaches deaf studies at Empoway in Belgium. Researching deaf lesbian placemaking in London, their expertise lies in disability justice, deaf communication strategies, networks and community building – and how these have shifted within the past decades.
Alexander Ivanov
Alexander IvanovExpert
Alexander is a leading expert in the deaf community in Bulgaria, specialising in raising awareness among non-deaf professionals. He is also a linguistics researcher pursuing an MA at Gallaudet University. His extensive experience and international connections are key to fostering effective understanding between deaf and hearing people.
Mariana Couto
Mariana CoutoExpert
Doctor Mariana is Portugal’s first deaf medical practitioner and a prominent expert in health awareness for deaf communities. She is dedicated to improving healthcare access and communication between deaf patients and non-deaf professionals, ensuring more inclusive and effective healthcare practices.
Timothy Rowies
Timothy RowiesCoordinator
Timo is a leading advocacy expert and recognised activist for his transformative human rights work with diverse communities across Europe. As the executive coordinator at Empoway, he is dedicated to advancing inclusive education, promoting social change, and spearheading impactful initiatives to create a more equitable society.