Deaf identity, culture and history
Deaf children are part of a diverse world of languages, communities, stories and possibilities.
Identity belongs to the person
Some people use Deaf with a capital D to describe cultural and linguistic identity, often connected with sign language and the Deaf community. Others use deaf, hard of hearing or different words.
People with hearing aids or cochlear implants can also identify as Deaf. Let your child explore identity and choose their own words as they grow.
Belonging and Deaf culture
Deaf culture includes shared languages, history, humour, arts, experiences and community life. It is varied: no one person represents every deaf person.
Meeting Deaf adults and other deaf children can offer connection and perspectives alongside information from professionals. Encourage curiosity about ordinary lives, careers, relationships and interests.
BSL is a language
BSL has its own grammar and develops through communities of users. It is different from signs used in English word order. Sign languages vary around the world.
BSL can be part of a child’s identity and direct access to learning, relationships and expression. Families can explore BSL alongside speech or other communication approaches.
A short history timeline
The Milan Congress
An international congress on deaf education promoted oral teaching and the exclusion of sign language. These resolutions influenced educational practices and the marginalisation of Deaf teachers and signing. They were not a UK Act of Parliament.
A national Deaf movement
The organisation now known as the British Deaf Association was founded following a national response to exclusion and barriers faced by Deaf people.
Government recognition of BSL
The UK Government recognised BSL as a language in its own right. This was a different step from later statutory recognition.
The Milan resolutions rejected
At the Vancouver congress, the organising committee rejected the 1880 resolutions and expressed regret for their harmful effects. The statement supported respect for languages and forms of communication in education.
The British Sign Language Act
The Act received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022 and recognises BSL as a language of England, Scotland and Wales. It also creates government reporting and guidance duties.
What history can help us notice
Historical decisions help explain why some Deaf people feel strongly about language access, Deaf teachers and being included in decisions. Different generations and communities have different experiences.
Use history as a starting point for listening. Avoid presenting speech or signing as a test of whether a child belongs.
Explore real perspectives
Visit Young Voices and Deaf adult perspectives for prompts and published stories. Explore the British Deaf Association’s history.
Sources and further reading
Links go to the organisation responsible for the information. Practical prompts on this page are suggestions for family conversations.
- Deaf history and the Milan CongressBritish Deaf Association, Deaf led organisation · Checked 1 October 2026
- BSL and other sign systemsBritish Deaf Association · Checked 1 October 2026
- Vancouver 2010: rejection of the Milan resolutionsWorld Federation of the Deaf · Checked 1 October 2026
- British Sign Language fourth report, 2026UK Government · Checked 1 October 2026
- A Message to Younger Me: Deaf adult perspectivesNDCS, published external stories · Checked 1 October 2026