Stagetext launches case study recruitment drive to understand ‘landscape’ of deaf access to arts ‘outside of London’ (BSL)

Deaf people living outside of London have been invited to take part in a survey about access to the arts, as the charity Stagetext looks to learn more about the “landscape” of captioning for the arts across the UK.

The project, launched at the start of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, aims to recruit case studies to help the organisation “build a picture” of what deaf access in the UK looks like through the personal experiences of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences.

Olivia Durkin, the charity’s Head of Training and Theatre, said: “Stagetext is an Arts Council England funded organisation, working with arts venues across the UK.

“We know some regions in the UK might need more support with their deaf access, and we would love to help them on that journey.

“Part of the work we are funded to do over the next three years is to identify how best we can support these areas, reinforcing the need for deaf access with the voices of the community it impacts the most.”

Comprising two stages, the project will begin with the online survey before a cross-section of respondents will be contacted for video interviews. Those interviewed will receive a £25 book or theatre token as a thank you for their time.

Researcher Angie Aspinall, known for founding and running the #HearingLossHour Twitter chat, has been commissioned to lead the search for case studies, beginning with her reaching out to the deaf community.

Angie said: “I have sensorineural hearing loss and use captioning in my everyday life. I know the positive impact captions and subtitles have on the way I experience events and I’m interested in learning about the experiences of others.

“I’m very excited to be leading this project for Stagetext.”

The survey is available to complete on Stagetext’s website, with those selected for interview receiving an invitation between 16 May and 16 June.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.