Representatives from Deaf Village Group have returned from Parliament after being invited to join the prestigious ParliAble panel, where they helped shape national discussions around workplace accessibility for Deaf people.
Founder Debra Cartlidge and managing director Deborah Blades travelled to Westminster to represent both Deaf Village Group and the wider Deaf community.
They took part in conversations focused on breaking down employment barriers and ensuring Deaf people have equal opportunities to succeed in the workplace.
Drawing on their experience supporting Deaf people across education, employment, independent living, and specialist services, the pair highlighted the everyday challenges many Deaf people continue to face.
Such as communication barriers, inaccessible recruitment processes, and a lack of Deaf awareness among employers.
The invitation recognised the work Deaf Village Group continues to undertake in championing Deaf rights and creating opportunities for Deaf people across Lancashire, the North West and beyond.
Founder Debra said the opportunity to ensure Deaf voices were heard at a national level was both encouraging and important.
She said: “We were incredibly proud to represent both Deaf Village Group and the wider Deaf community.
"Too often, decisions about accessibility are made without Deaf people being in the room.
"Having the opportunity to share our experiences directly was both encouraging and incredibly important.”
Managing director Deborah added that the discussions focused on practical solutions and meaningful change.
“The discussions were honest, constructive and focused on real change. We received some fantastic feedback on our contributions and left feeling optimistic that the voices of Deaf people were genuinely being heard.
“If we want truly inclusive workplaces, accessibility cannot be an afterthought; it has to be built in from the start.”
The visit is part of Deaf Village Group’s ongoing commitment to improving opportunities for Deaf people and making sure their voices are represented at every level, from local services through to national policy.
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As one of the UK’s leading Deaf-led organisations, Deaf Village Group hopes the conversations held in Parliament will help contribute to lasting improvements in workplace accessibility, allowing future generations of Deaf people to access careers without unnecessary barriers.
The organisation says greater awareness, better communication support, and more inclusive recruitment practices are key to creating workplaces where Deaf people can thrive and fulfil their potential.
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