SignHealth, Thoughtworks and AbilityNet share tips for d/Deaf people

Annie Mannion | 29 Nov 2022

In AbilityNet's free webinar on Tuesday 6 December, we were joined by Thoughtworks and SignHealth, to discover how tech can help d/Deaf people and those who have experienced hearing loss.

Profile images of Matthew Johnston from Thoughtworks, James Watson O’Neill from Sign Health, and Iain Wilson and Stuart Goldberg from AbilityNet. Text displays: Free Webinar. Top tips for how tech can help with hearing loss.Guests included Matthew Johnston, Global Head of Disability Inclusion at Thoughtworks and a Digital Accessibility Advocate who has spent his career so far in the tech industry. Matthew is also a trustee of Stagetext and Scope charities.

Also on the panel was CEO of SignHealth charity, James Watson-O'Neill, who is a trustee of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group and was awarded an OBE for services to Deaf people in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2022.

In addition, we learnt from two of AbilityNet's Tech Volunteer coordinators, Iain Wilson and Stuart Goldberg, who will share how AbilityNet advises how technology may help those who are d/Deaf or have experienced hearing loss.

The panellists discussed:

  • The tech available that can help with hearing loss
  • Experiences of deafness, hearing loss, and examples of useful tech solutions
  • Attendees' questions about hearing loss

BSL-interpreted film: Introduction to addressing disability barriers in the workplace

AbilityNet believes in a digital world accessible to all, and as well as our IT Support at Home service that is supported by our network of Tech Volunteers like Iain Wilson and Stuart Goldberg noted above, we also help organisations create accessible staff experiences, products and services.

This film, which includes British Sign Language interpretation, introduces some of the barriers that disabled staff may experience in the workplace, and outlines the importance of addressing the barriers and finding solutions.

Find out more about AbilityNet's workplace support

Further resources

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

  • Call our free Helpline. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution. We're open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 0800 048 7642
  • My Computer My Way free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones
  • If you're able to help us help others please donate to AbilityNet