Inclusion starts with communication – Boo Holmquest, D/deaf Services and BSL Advisor

Communication is part of every aspect of our lives. It’s how we build relationships, share experiences, access information, make decisions and connect with the people around us. Yet communication is something many of us take for granted until barriers make it difficult.

For D/deaf and D/deafblind people, those barriers can affect everyday experiences in ways that are often overlooked. They can make it harder to access information, take part in conversations, build connections and make choices about the support they receive.

That’s why I believe communication should never be thought of as an additional support need. It is a foundation for independence, wellbeing and belonging.

I’ve worked in health and social care for more than 25 years and, throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference that accessible communication can make.

When people are supported to communicate in ways that work for them, they are better able to express their preferences, make informed decisions and work towards the goals that matter to them. They gain confidence, build meaningful relationships and have more opportunities to live happy, healthy and meaningful lives.

At Achieve together, I work with team members across the organisation to help make communication, services and information more accessible for D/deaf and D/deafblind people. My role is about helping people feel understood, involved and able to participate fully in everyday life.

This includes promoting British Sign Language (BSL), visual support, assistive technology and inclusive communication practices. It also means encouraging people to think differently about accessibility and recognise the positive impact that communication can have on someone’s quality of life.

What I’ve learned is that small changes can make a significant difference.

Sometimes it’s about providing information in a different format. Other times it’s about taking the time to understand how someone prefers to communicate. Often, it’s simply about creating an environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves and confident that they will be understood.

There is also an important difference between accessibility and inclusion; accessibility is essential, but inclusion goes further.

Inclusion means creating environments where people feel valued, respected and able to contribute. It means not only removing barriers, but creating opportunities for people to participate in decisions, activities and communities in ways that are meaningful to them.

For organisations across health and social care – and for all of us for that matter – that starts with recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and understanding that communication should be considered from the very beginning, not as an afterthought.

International Week of Deaf People celebrates the experiences, achievements and contributions of D/deaf people around the world. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can create communities where everyone feels understood, connected and able to reach their potential.

When people can communicate in ways that work for them, they are better able to make choices, build relationships, pursue their goals and live happy, healthy and meaningful lives.

That’s why inclusion starts with communication.