Deaf News: Half of deaf people have been mocked by colleagues, survey finds

Posted on October 11, 2018 by



Just over 50% of people with deafness or a form of hearing loss have been mocked or teased in the workplace, according to new research by Action on Hearing Loss.

The Workplace Experiences report also revealed that 35% have felt bullied at work because of their hearing loss, whilst 44% have applied for a job without disclosing their condition.

Dr Roger Wicks, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “That in 2018 people are still being subject to teasing, and at worst bullying, in the workplace is shocking.

“It’s almost inconceivable to imagine people with other disabilities experiencing this – and we believe it’s strongly linked to a lack of deaf awareness on the part of employers and peers in the workplace.

“Deafness and hearing loss do not limit anyone’s capacity for excellence, and we want employers to make the most of this huge pool of talent by enabling existing and prospective staff with deafness and hearing loss to thrive in the workplace.”

The news follows statistics released in May by the Office for National Statistics about the disability employment gap, which remains at around 30%.

Speaking earlier this year, James Taylor, Scope’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said the figures show the gap “has barely changed in more than a decade”.

“Many disabled people face an unnecessary struggle to get into and stay in work, largely due to employers’ outdated attitudes and inflexible working practices,” he said.

The latest study by Action on Hearing Loss, released alongside a guide on best practice for employers, is part of the charity’s Working for Change campaign, which aims to “break down the barriers” in employment for those with deafness and hearing loss.

The organisation is currently calling upon the Minister for Disabled People, Sarah Newton MP, to create a “disability information hub” for employers to “bring together all guidance on supporting people with disabilities in the workplace”.

More information about the campaign can be found on Action on Hearing Loss’ website.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and blogger from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and makes the occasional video about deaf awareness on his YouTube channel. He can also be found talking about disability, politics, theatre, books and music on his Twitter, or on his blog, The Life of a Thinker.


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Posted in: deaf news