08/05/2026
Imagine this: You’re ill. Not sure why, but you just feel terrible. Stomach hurts, head hurts, it’s hard to concentrate… So, you have to go to the hospital or the doctors. Except when you get there, they are all speaking Latin. You have told them time and time again you don’t understand Latin, but they continue. They ask how you’re feeling, give you medications, but you can’t be sure these are the correct medications, or how to take them, since all the instructions were in Latin. How awful would this be when you already feel rough??
Welcome to the experience for many Deaf people in the UK. Despite requesting notes on their records that they require a BSL interpreter, despite constant reminders to staff that they can’t hear, and despite the NHS and other healthcare establishments being required to provide interpreters and access to all information…it often doesn’t happen.
Here are some first-hand experiences from Deaf people who have struggled in the world of healthcare.
This week, 4th May - 10th May, is Deaf Awareness week. This year, the theme is 'Right to understand - Together, we break barriers'. Here at BSL Plus we have been shining some light on just a few of the barriers faced by the Deaf Community as a result of lack of access and understanding. Why don’t you look back on our other videos this week to see what you’ve missed!
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