Looking for resources for deaf and hearing impaired people? This page brings together key UK charities, assistive technology tools, and support services to help you navigate daily life with confidence. Whether you’re looking for communication support, accessible technology, or guidance for families and carers, you’ll find everything you need here.
UK National Organisations & Support
RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) – The UK’s leading charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Provides guidance on hearing health, employment, assistive technology, and legal rights.
British Deaf Association (BDA) – National organisation representing Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL), focusing on equality, advocacy, and Deaf culture.
National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) – Supports deaf children and their families with education advice, rights guidance, and practical resources.
SignHealth – Charity improving access to healthcare and mental health services for Deaf people, including BSL-based support.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – UK charity providing trained hearing dogs that alert deaf people to important sounds like doorbells, alarms, and phones, helping increase independence and confidence.
Assistive Technology & Digital Accessibility
Google Live Transcribe – Real-time speech-to-text app that converts conversations into live captions, useful for everyday communication.
Otter.ai – A transcription tool that converts speech into text for meetings, lectures, and conversations.
Ava – Live captioning app designed for group conversations, improving accessibility in social and professional settings.
Microsoft Translator – Provides live captions and translations for conversations, presentations, and meetings.
Rogervoice – App that enables captioned phone calls for deaf and hard of hearing users.
Communication Support & Accessibility Services
Convo – On-demand BSL interpreting service allowing deaf users to connect with qualified interpreters via app or web, available 24/7 for phone calls and conversations.
Relay UK – Text relay service enabling communication between deaf and hearing people over the phone.
InterpretersLive! – Remote BSL interpreting service providing access to qualified interpreters for appointments and services.
Education & Student Support
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – Government funding that supports students with disabilities through equipment, interpreters, and specialist support.
Media, Subtitles & Accessibility
BBC Accessibility Services – Offers subtitles, sign language interpretation, and accessible content across BBC platforms.
YouTube Captions – Built-in captioning system allowing users to enable subtitles on a wide range of video content.
Netflix Accessibility – Provides subtitles and closed captions across its content for improved accessibility.
Hearing Loss, Health & Clinical Information
NHS Hearing Loss Services – Provides information on hearing tests, hearing aids, tinnitus, and accessing NHS support.
Grants, Financial Help & Practical Support
Access to Work – Provides funding for workplace support, including interpreters, assistive technology, and communication support.
Turn2Us – Helps individuals find grants, benefits, and financial support they may be entitled to.
Local Sensory Services
Most UK local authorities provide sensory support services for deaf and hearing impaired people. These services may include communication support, equipment, home adaptations, and access to specialist advisors.
Contact your local council to find out what support is available in your area