Mr Shapiro worked hard to secure significant benefits for all people who are deaf or hard of hearing and was a dedicated campaigner for those with tinnitus. He lost his hearing during childhood and had great insight into the barriers and stigma that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can face, especially during transition from childhood to adulthood. Mr Shapiro was Vice President of  RNID from the early 1990s and remained closely involved with the organisation throughout that time. He was a great advocate for those with tinnitus and was also one of the founders and Vice President of British Tinnitus Association.

RNID Chief Executive, Jackie Ballard, said:

'All of us at RNID were saddened to hear about the death of Jack Shapiro. He will be hugely missed by many people who have benefited from his active involvement in raising awareness about hearing loss and hearing damage. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this difficult time.'

 Mr Jack Shapiro was also chairman of the Sino-British Council on Disability and Rehabilitation and initiator of a series of seminars that led to the founding of the British Seminar on Genetics and Deafness, as well as founder and Chairman of the NW London Tinnitus Association.