In the early 1990s we established a range of community-focused operations across the UK, with the exception of Wales. In 1995-96 we were lobbied by deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales, and this led to RNID Cymru being established in 1997.

We received a grant from the then Welsh Office and began to develop a range of services. The work focused on responding to the specific needs of people in Wales, especially in those areas where we had an existing track record.

Breaking down barriers

There are 480,000 deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales. Many are prevented from accessing information, interacting with providers and employers and participating in training and careers events. This in turn impacts on learning and employment opportunities, and limits their ability to make informed decisions about careers and training options.

We work in four key areas to break down these barriers:

Campaigning for change

We campaign and lobby on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people in the Welsh Assembly government, and raises awareness of deafness in the media, among health professionals and the general public.

Changing attitudes

We challenge negative attitudes and ignorance about deafness and hearing loss. It runs training courses to help businesses become more responsive to the needs of deaf people and those with other disabilities, which raises staff awareness and improves practical communication skills.

Providing direct services

We provide a number of services directly to deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales, including:

Research

We act as a catalyst for research, performing and supporting medical, social and technical research in areas of key importance to deaf people.