This Deaf Awareness Week is a chance to highlight the barriers deaf children and young people can face, and what it takes to remove them.
At Gympanzees, we’re not just building a centre. We’re building a space that works in real life for disabled children and young people.
That means thinking carefully about the barriers that can exist before someone even arrives, and making sure they’re designed out from the start.
For deaf children and young people, many of those barriers come down to communication, information, and environments that rely too heavily on sound.
So we’re making sure they don’t.
Communication and information
Clear communication shouldn’t depend on hearing.
Across the centre, we’re using visual signage with icons and symbols, rather than relying on text or audio alone. Screens and displays will include subtitles, and communication boards will be available throughout.
Before families even visit, our “what to expect” materials will include subtitles, helping everyone feel prepared and confident ahead of time.
We’re also making sure families can contact us in the way that works best for them, whether that’s phone, email or text, and that booking and key information is clearly written and accessible.
Navigation and arrival
Arriving somewhere new can be stressful, especially if instructions aren’t clear.
We’re designing entry and access systems so they can be used independently, with visual instructions alongside spoken guidance where appropriate. The aim is simple, to make sure everyone can move through the space with confidence.
Staff training
People make spaces work.
Our team will receive deaf awareness training, including simple but important things like maintaining eye contact, facing someone when speaking, and not covering their mouth to support lip reading.
Environment and acoustics
The environment itself plays a huge role.
We’re ensuring good lighting so faces can be clearly seen, and incorporating acoustic panelling and sound dampening to support those who are hard of hearing.
Safety
Safety is critical, and it needs to work for everyone.
Fire alarms will include visual elements such as flashing beacons, and staff will be trained to physically alert and guide visitors in an emergency, rather than relying on verbal instructions alone.
Building this together
At the heart of all of this is one simple aim, to make sure no part of the experience relies solely on sound, and that communication and navigation are as clear and inclusive as possible.
We’re still at a stage where things can be shaped and improved.
If you have ideas, suggestions, or lived experience you’d be willing to share, we would love to hear from you.
Because getting this right means building it together.
