Sophie Wellington discusses how charities and organisations are supporting d/Deaf and hard of hearing women.
To celebrate Women's History Month, it is important to be aware of the inequalities d/Deaf and hard of hearing women still face, as well as recognising the achievements of this community.
A very recent study found that women who are d/Deaf or have a hearing impairment are more likely to have complications during pregnancy. These complications include premature birth and low birth weight, but also an increased risk of the mother developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes. This is a recent discovery for medicine, and more research needs to be conducted to further our understanding of these issues. Communication barriers that d/Deaf women experience mean that they can have a lack of medical knowledge surrounding cancer screenings and women's health issues. This is clearly a detrimental inequality that highlights the importance of legal recognition for BSL that begins to break down these communication barriers. It is very likely that there are other inequalities not yet realised, as research has been very limited.
Then there is also the added pressures of isolation and disparities in employment, wellbeing, and education. Many organisations and initiatives are working with this community to improve general quality of life and d/Deaf awareness. Deaf-initely women has created a network of d/Deaf and hard of hearing women to offer to support to each other and share experiences, both positive and negative. Through this support network, they hope to help others build confidence and try new experiences that haven't been offered to them before. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women's Group in London offer similar services, increasing awareness of the d/Deaf community in the area and getting involved in current issues that affect them. With the rise of domestic abuse during lockdown, Women's Aid have an established messaging helpline for d/Deaf and hard of hearing women who need access to services or advice.
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