Lipspeaker UK

A meeting starts at 10:00am.

For many people, that's when they start thinking about the meeting.

For many deaf people, the preparation started much earlier.

- Will communication be accessible?
- Will people take turns speaking?
- Will presentation materials be shared in advance?
- Will the room have good lighting?
- Will communication support be in place if needed?

Accessibility is often thought about as something that happens during a meeting but in reality, it starts much earlier.

The more we consider accessibility during the planning stage, the easier it becomes for everyone to participate fully.

Read our latest article on how to make your meeting accessible

Accessible Meetings for Deaf People - Lipspeaker Many deaf people undertake significant preparation before attending a meeting. Learn how organisations can create more accessible meetings.

Accessibility starts with a question. How would you prefer to communicate?

There is no single communication method that works for every deaf person.

- Some people use BSL.
- Some use lipreading.
- Some use speech-to-text.
- Some use hearing technology.
- Many people use a combination of communication methods depending on the situation.

The most effective way to make communication accessible is often the simplest; ask what works best for the individual.

When we stop making assumptions and start having conversations, accessibility becomes much more meaningful.

What simple accessibility tip would you share with someone who wants to be more inclusive?

Sometimes, all it takes is that first step.

This week we welcomed our 2026 Lipspeaking Training cohort, and one student's words really stood out to us:

"I've wanted to train as a Lipspeaker for a long time, and now I'm finally doing it."

We know there are many people who have considered training, changing careers or learning something new, but taking that first step can often be the hardest part.

We're delighted to be supporting this year's students as they begin their Lipspeaking journey and develop the skills and knowledge needed for this unique profession.

Welcome to the 2026 cohort; we wish you every success and look forward to seeing your progress over the coming months.

Deafblind Awareness Week is nearly here.

From 22 to 28 June 2026, we'll be joining others across the UK in recognising Deafblind Awareness Week.

Deafblindness affects people in different ways. Some people have a combined sight and hearing loss from birth, while others experience changes later in life. Communication preferences, support needs and lived experiences vary from person to person.

Disabled students, graduates, universities, support professionals, family members and allies; your voice matters.

The Government is currently consulting on proposed changes to Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), including proposals relating to specialist assistive technology funding.

If you have experience of DSA, disability support in education, or assistive technology, now is the time to have your say.

Consultations help shape future policy, but only if people affected by those decisions take part.

Link to consultation in the comments.

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 18 June 2026.

We encourage our community to read the proposals, consider how they may affect disabled students, and submit a response with their views.

Every response counts.

For more information, visit the Department for Education consultation and explore the resources being shared by organisations across the disability and assistive technology sectors.

When people think about communication support, a construction site probably isn't the first place that comes to mind.

But accessibility matters wherever people are learning, training and developing their careers.

These photos were taken during a client training session on a construction site. They are a great reminder of the wide range of environments where communication support can make a difference.

From workplace inductions and health and safety training to professional qualifications and career development, reasonable adjustments help ensure deaf people can access the same opportunities as everyone else.

Accessibility is not just about doing the job. It is also about having equal access to training, progression and new opportunities.

📷 Photos shared with the full consent of the client.

Alt: Three photographs from a construction site training session. Participants wearing high visibility clothing, safety helmets and safety harnesses take part in practical working at height training on and around scaffolding. One image shows trainees on a scaffold platform, another shows a trainer delivering instructions to the group, and the third shows a trainee descending a ladder as part of the exercise. The images demonstrate accessible professional training taking place in a real workplace environment.

Every event has its frequently asked questions.

Ours usually involve communication support, funding, university, spare pens, and occasionally tracking down Lesley.

Take a look through some of the questions we hear most often when we're out and about at events.

Did we miss one?

Alt text: A carousel of Frequently Asked Questions about Lipspeaker UK. The slides answer common questions about BSL Interpreters, Access to Work support, Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) for university students, UK-wide coverage, and why the organisation is often able to help with urgent or last minute communication support requests. The carousel ends with two light-hearted event FAQs: whether visitors can have another pen, and the popular question, "Where is Lesley?", featuring a humorous explanation that she spoke to one person and now seems to know everyone in the building. The design uses Lipspeaker UK's red and white branding with photographs representing communication support, education, travel, events, and team members.

Cool and the gang? Maybe. The committed gang? Definitely. 😄

A quick catch up with part of the Lipspeaker UK team this week as we continue planning for the months ahead.

Whether we're preparing for events like Norfolk Deaf Festival, developing new training opportunities, or finding ways to improve our services, regular conversations like these help keep us connected and moving in the same direction.

The best ideas often come from simply taking the time to check in, share updates, and have a laugh together along the way.

We're looking forward to a busy summer ahead.

Image description: Screenshot of a virtual team meeting with five members of the Lipspeaker UK team and a communication support professional, smiling at their webcams during an online catch up.