Deaf-Friendly Jobs

There are many deaf-friendly jobs and employers in the UK, by which, we mean jobs that are an option if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

UK employment laws mean that people with disabilities should not be discriminated against. You should have the same career opportunities wherever possible, even with a disability.

That said, some roles are more well-suited to deaf people. In this guide, we discuss some of the logistics of deaf jobs and the sort of careers to consider.

Do I Have to Disclose My Disability?

You have certain rights when it comes to employment. These protect you from discrimination based on your hearing loss.

The only reasons an employer could ask you about your disability is if:

• They need to make reasonable adjustments to assist you in your role.
• They need to decide whether you can carry out an activity essential to the job role.

In some jobs, a disability may make it incredibly difficult or even impossible for a deaf person to carry out essential tasks. This is why not every job can be classed as deaf-friendly.

Whether you are completely deaf or suffer from hearing impairment, there are suitable positions. Many companies make a point of accommodating deafness in the workplace.

Suitable Jobs for Deaf People

What are some of the deaf jobs the UK has to offer?

Firstly, there are the more obvious roles that may have specific provisions in place for deaf or hard of hearing employees. These include roles in the public sector such as healthcare and teaching, or customer service-based industries where communication is key.

Jobs like these can be a challenge for the deaf, but it is possible to find common jobs for deaf people where the right provisions have been put in place and you can still enjoy your job. Many deaf people also work within the deaf community, supporting others with hearing loss.

1. Tech Support. Many companies offer live chat support and via text chat. This makes it easier for deaf people to work in these industries and not have to worry about any communication barriers.
2. IT. Many roles within the IT industry may be suitable for deaf employees. With more and more technology becoming accessible, it’s opening up many new opportunities and deaf-friendly jobs for those who want to work in this field.
3. Sign Language Interpreter. Many deaf people work as interpreters. This is a great option if you want to use your sign language skills and help others with hearing problems in their working lives.
4. Teaching The Deaf. It is possible to work as a sign language teacher. If you are qualified, this can be an excellent career choice in an area where there is a current shortage. You can also apply for a teacher of the deaf job in a variety of subjects, teaching those who may have suffered hearing loss.
5. Care for Hearing-Impaired Children. There are also some roles within the care sector where you can work with hearing-impaired children, helping them to learn sign language and feel at ease.
6. Manufacturing and Assembly Jobs. These jobs can be hard to come by, but if you do find a company that is willing to put in the effort for deaf employees, it can open up some great career opportunities.
7. Copywriting or Editing. If you have excellent writing skills, consider copywriting or editing. These are roles that can be done remotely, making it a great job for deaf people who want to work from home.

There are many different jobs for the deaf to consider. These are options but your job should still be led by your passion. It’s important to remember that not every job is right for everyone and what may be perfect for one person may be a bad choice for another.

Your education will play a huge part, but whether you have a bachelor’s degree or you are looking for an entry-level position, there are plenty of employers who are happy to work with those suffering from hearing loss.

The Future of Jobs for Deaf People

Improvements in technology have made it easier to communicate. Advancements like transcription software are helping deaf people. Employers should also be making more provisions for deaf people to enjoy the same career opportunities.

The revolution in people working from home could also help you to find the right career field. Many of these careers are suitable for the deaf or hearing-impaired, with a lot of communication via email.

Apply for Your New Role

If this list has inspired you to try something new, or you want to find jobs that are suitable for deaf individuals, check the current job listings. There are a number of roles from employers that are supportive of deaf and otherwise disabled participants.

Apply for your new job today with an employer you know will make provisions for disabled staff.