Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
"Better to ask a question than to remain ignorant"
Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) we are often asked about DdEF and deafness. You can jump straight to the reply to that question by clicking on the links below.
- Why Ddeaf?
- What do the different words that describe deafness mean?
- Can only Ddeaf people be members of DdEF?
- How is DdEF run?
- Is DdEF a political organisation?
- Isn't DdEF a militant organisation?
- Is DdEF a registered charity?
- How is DdEF funded?
Why Ddeaf?
No, we haven't mis-spelt it! We coined the word ‘Ddeaf’ to represent everyone with a hearing loss – Deaf (sign language users), deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, and deafblind people. Ddeaf Equality Forward (DdEF) is unique in the area in representing all Ddeaf people.
What do the different words that describe deafness mean?
Deaf with a capital ‘D’, is used to describe someone who is born or who became profoundly deaf at an early age and see themselves as part of the 'Deaf Community'. Their first or preferred language is usually sign language. Deaf people tend to see themselves as part of a linguistic minority, and not as disabled.
deaf deaf with a small ‘d’, is a general term used to describe all deaf people (deafened, hard of hearing, partially deaf etc.). This group of deaf people tend not to identify themselves as part of the ‘Deaf community’, and use spoken language.
Hard of hearing – someone with a hearing loss but who has some useable hearing. They may use hearing aids, lip reading and other aids to communication. People who are hard of hearing may identify more with hearing people than the Deaf community. Their first language is likely to be spoken
Partially deaf – similar to ‘hard of hearing’; people with a hearing loss but with some useful hearing, who tend to be part of the hearing community and culture
Deafened – people born hearing who became deaf as adults, either suddenly after an injury or illness or over a long period, e.g. after exposure to loud noise.
The definitions of the different terms used to describe deafness are taken from our leaflet ‘Ddeaf Definitions’, which is based on information provided by the British Deaf Association. ↗. You can find the leaflet on our information pages.
There is further information on how deafness is classified on our Information pages.
Can only Ddeaf people be members of DdEF?
No, we welcome the support of hearing people. Hearing supporters are welcomed as members of DdEF and we welcome their input, however, hearing supporters don't have a vote at the AGM or other meetings.
How is DdEF run?
DdEF is a voluntary organisation run entirely by volunteers. We are a democratic organisation and decisions about DdEF's activities and future direction are made by our members. DdEF is managed on a day to day basis by our Officers group, a group of DdEF members who have taken on the day to day administration of the organisation.
Is DdEF a political organisation?
DdEF is not a political organisation and we are not affiliated to any political party. We work with a number of organisations, including other Ddeaf people's groups, other disability groups, statutory agencies, local authorities, health services, MPs and local councillors, service providers and educators, to campaign for equality for Ddeaf people.
Isn't DdEF a militant organisation?
No. We're assertive in our fight for equality for all Ddeaf people. The right to equality is fundamental, and we believe that Ddeaf people have a right to equal treatment and rights. Only through challenging the discrimination that Ddeaf people face on a daily basis can we hope to change the negative cultural and social stereotypes of Ddeaf people. Through involvement with the group, gaining skills and confidence in helping to run the group, and through our training courses, we empower our members, giving them the confidence and knowledge of how to assert their right to equality.
Is DdEF a registered charity?
DdEF isn't a registered charity. Though our aims are charitable, the Charity Commission did not consider that we meet the criteria for registration as a registered charity. Our legal status is as an unincorporated voluntary organisation. We are a voluntary organisation run entirely by volunteers and any income generated is used to further the aims of the organisation as laid down in our constitution, which can be found in our Annual Report on our Information page.
How is DdEF funded?
DdEF is largely funded by grants. We also hold regular fundraising events. Our remaining funding comes from membership subscriptions. Each year our annual accounts are audited by and independent auditor. Our latest annual accounts can be found in our annual report on our information page.
We hope that these FAQs have answered most of the questions that people ask about DdEF. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
