Paul Challinor: Why I Created Deaf Careers – A New Job Site by and for the Deaf Community (BSL)

As a Deaf person, I know first-hand how frustrating the job search can be. So many job sites aren’t built with us in mind – no BSL, no visual-friendly layouts, and no clue about accessibility. It often feels like we’re expected to squeeze into systems that were never designed for us.

That’s why I created Deaf Careers – a UK-based job board built for the Deaf community, by someone who understands exactly how broken the system can feel. I wanted to build a platform that actually works for us – and more importantly, with us.

The idea

I wanted to give something to the Deaf community – something useful, long-lasting and genuinely supportive. So I decided to build Deaf Careers.

It wasn’t planned by a company or committee – it was just me, thinking “Right. I’m going to do it.” No more waiting around. No more hoping someone else would build it. I knew what was missing, so I started creating the thing I wished already existed.

Building it (with tea, late nights, and a bit of swearing)

To build this from scratch was a challenge. I’m a web designer and developer, but even with that background, trying to create something this meaningful on your own is no small task. There were bugs. There were moments when I stared at the screen for hours wondering why the “Submit” button had vanished. There was a lot of tea. And yes, maybe a bit of swearing.

I wanted to keep the site clean, easy to use, and most of all – accessible. Everything from the layout to the way jobs are displayed has been thought through with Deaf users in mind.

Making it Deaf-friendly

Most job sites don’t think about Deaf users at all. There’s no BSL, no visual support, and definitely no thought about how to make Deaf people feel welcome.

One thing I was determined to include was the ability for employers to add video links to their job posts. On Deaf Careers, employers can include a YouTube or Vimeo URL – for example, a BSL welcome message or a signed job description. Translating job descriptions into BSL videos gives Deaf applicants equal access to information and helps them understand the role clearly. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference. Instead of just reading plain text, Deaf job seekers get a clearer, more human connection right from the start.

I really encourage employers to start using BSL videos as much as possible. Even a short welcome in BSL can go a long way in building trust and showing Deaf people they are truly valued.

The 4 BIG Ds

This platform is:

• Built by a Deaf person
• For a Deaf website
• To support Deaf organisations and businesses
• And Deaf people looking for a job

That’s what Deaf Careers is all about.

Deaf talent is out there – and it’s time to recognise it

We’ve seen amazing Deaf talent gaining attention in the UK – like Rosie Ayling-Ellis, who brought BSL into the mainstream on national TV, and Matthew Gurney, who continues to push for Deaf rights and representation.

But Rosie and Matthew are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many skilled, creative, and hardworking Deaf people out there – and employers need to start recognising that. Deaf Careers is here to help make those talents visible and open doors that have been shut for too long.

If you’re an organisation looking for fresh talent, this platform is your chance to connect with Deaf professionals who are ready and capable. Let’s stop talking about inclusion and start doing something about it.

What it’s all about

I didn’t build Deaf Careers to become the next big tech company. I built it because I care. I want Deaf people to feel like there’s finally a space made with them in mind – where they don’t have to fight for access at every step.

If just one person finds a great job because of this site, then it’s done its job. And if more employers get serious about being accessible? Even better.

This isn’t just about finding work – it’s about changing attitudes. It’s about showing that accessibility should never be an afterthought. We’ve created Deaf Careers for the community, by the community – because we’re tired of waiting for others to make space for us.

We’re doing this for them – for job seekers, for the next generation, for the future of work.

So please… do it for us in return.

If you’re an employer – post your jobs with access in mind.

If you’re a supporter – help spread the word.

And if you’re Deaf – know that this platform was made with you at the centre of it all.

Want to be part of it?

If you’re Deaf and looking for work, check out https://deafcareers.co.uk/. If you’re an employer and want to show the Deaf community you’re serious about inclusion – come on board. We’d love to feature your opportunities.

This is just the beginning – and I’m so proud to finally share it.