About Ddeaf Equality Forward
Ddeaf Equality Forward (DdEF) was formed in 1997. It is run and managed entirely by Ddeaf people. We believe that Ddeaf people themselves should take forward the fight for their own equality. It is DdEF members who decide the activities of the organisation and its future direction. We believe that Ddeaf people themselves are the best judges of the needs of Ddeaf people.
A founding principle of DdEF was skills development. Through getting involved in the running of DdEF, members can develop skills that they can use to help them get into employment, or further their career. This is particularly important because unemployment rates amongst Ddeaf people are very high, compared to those of the general population (see our Ddeaf Facts page).
Why Ddeaf?
Ddeaf Equality Forward aims to unite all Ddeaf people – Deaf (sign language users), deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, and deaf–blind. Our primary aim is to inform, support and educate Ddeaf people on their rights to equal access and equal opportunities.
DdEF coined the word ‘Ddeaf’ to cover all the different types of deafness. The capital ‘D’ represents the Deaf Community (sign language users) and the small ‘d’ represents other deaf people.
Who are we?
DdEF was set up in 1997 and is managed by a group of Ddeaf volunteers. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Chesterfield Law Centre.
What is Ddeaf Equality Forward?
‘Dd’eaf because we aim to unite all Deaf people (sign language users), deaf, deafened, deaf-blind and hard of hearing people to take action against the discrimination we face.
We use capital ‘D’ Deaf to describe the Deaf community and a small ‘d’ deaf to describe other deaf people.
Equality because we believe all Ddeaf people should have equal opportunities in all aspects of our lives – at home, in education, in housing, in employment – in society as a whole.
Forward because we believe Ddeaf people themselves must take forward the fight for their equality.
What does DdEF do?
- Works with other Ddeaf people's groups, disability groups and supportive organisations and with MPs and local councillors for Ddeaf equality
- Promote Ddeaf equality training as opposed to Ddeaf awareness training so that issues of social discrimination are included
- Challenge educators, employers and service providers who are not providing equality for Ddeaf people
- Challenges the myths and ignorance that exist about Ddeaf people
- Informs, supports and educates Ddeaf people on their rights to equal access and equal opportunities
For more information about DdEF's work and how you can get involved, see our Projects, Events, and Membership sections.
