What are Deaf-Led Organisations ?

It has become commonplace in the past decade or so, for some organisations and charities to call themselves Deaf-led. But what is a Deaf-led organisation and what are their leadership principles?

What is a Deaf-led organisation?

A Deaf-led organisation is one that is primarily led and managed by deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) people. These organisations are usually created to provide services, support, and advocacy for DHH stakeholders. They typically have a strong understanding of the unique challenges that DHH individuals face, as well as the cultural and linguistic aspects of the Deaf community.

Deaf-led organisations are an important resource for the Deaf community as they are often better placed to understand and address specific needs and challenges. Additionally, these organisations serve as a voice , advocating for greater access and rights for DHH individuals in society at large.

Principles of Leadership

Deaf-led organisations, like Living Options Devon, appoint governors and senior management who are sign language users and members of the Deaf community as they feel that they know the first hand issues faced by Deaf people and the best advice and support to give to overcome these.

The BDA (British Deaf Association) Board of Trustees are all deaf and they explain their use of the capitalised D to 'denote the fact that we have a separate language and culture and 80% of our staff are Deaf themselves'

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity principles focus on the need for people to feel belonging. Action Deafness is run by 'passionate specialists'. Their 'understanding of deafness enables them to provide specialist and accessible and equal services so that deaf people can lead full, independent lives.'

Deaf - led organisations are user-led. Some might have non-deaf deaf people in senior positions and in successful organisations the hearing members of the leadership are respectful of the deaf leadership that guides their work. It can be a challenge for Deaf-led organisations to strike the right balance in their leadership teams as it is common for hearing people to assume the lead and take over.

Our 5-part  Inclusive Leadership training programme helps organisation to find that balance whether they want to be Deaf-led or to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive towards DHH and hearing people. We introduce and teach people our unique principles of the  positive /negative Communication Cycle and our IES principles that every inclusive leader needs to know.  You can find out more about this training here.