Charity launches scheme to help deaf Peterborough residents as face masks cause issues with lip reading

Facemasks are now mandatory on public transport and many people are wearing them in shops, hospitals and public places, which causes a huge problem for the deaf and hard of hearing, who communicate by reading lips.

Now The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA), have launched a badge to help make people aware of the communication problems caused by masks.

The ‘I’m a lip reader’ badges encourages people to find alternative ways to communicate, such as writing things down, gestures or moving behind a screen. The CDA does not advocate for people to remove masks which could increase the risk of the spreading the virus.

Andrew Palmer, Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, says that many people who are deaf or hard of hearing in the UK are worried about face masks.

He said: “A lot of people are concerned about the impact of face masks on their ability to communicate, this is especially true on public transport or in workplaces. People’s anxiety is already high and being unable to communicate won’t do anything to help.

“The main issue is that people who are deaf and have hearing loss rely heavily on visual clues for effective communication – that includes body language, gestures, facial expression and lip-reading.

“These badges are just a quick and easy reminder to people that the person that they’re facing might not be able to hear them and may need to rely on reading their lips. It will also give them an opportunity to socially distance whilst trying to find alternative methods of communication.”

The badges and t shirt are available to purchase from the CDA’s website https://cambsdeaf.org/order-your-im-a-lip-reader-badge-today/

CDA members can access a badge for free.