Breaking Barriers: How Deaf Awareness and Inclusion Created Volunteering Opportunities for Thomas
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Summary
Thomas, a Deaf BSL user, faced significant barriers when trying to access volunteering opportunities, including communication challenges and inaccessible onboarding processes. Through the National Lottery Community Fund–funded Kent Coast Volunteering program, Deaf awareness training, practical support, and inclusion resources helped break down these barriers and create accessible volunteering opportunities. Thomas's story highlights the importance of inclusive practices and Deaf awareness in opening doors for D/deaf volunteers.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSometimes people don't know how to communicate with me, and that makes things harder before you even start. I just wanted the chance to volunteer like everyone else.
Thomas is Deaf and uses British Sign Language (BSL) or Sign Supported English as his first means of communication.
Like many Deaf people, he initially faced barriers when trying to access volunteering opportunities.
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