Celebrating Deafness: Awareness, Identity and Belonging

“Celebrating Deafness: Awareness, Identity and Belonging” is a half-day conference hosted at the University of Reading as part of its Centenary programme (1926–2026).

Taking place on 7 May 2026 at the London Road Campus, the event is free and open to the wider community.

The conference marks a significant milestone in the development of British Sign Language (BSL) at Reading. Established in 2017 within the Languages for All programme, BSL has grown into one of the most widely chosen areas of study, supported by a highly engaged student community and strong partnerships.

This event celebrates that success while reinforcing connections with the Deaf community and promoting inclusive language education. A central feature of the programme is the active involvement of BSL students and the BSL Society, who will present on a range of Deaf Studies topics, including identity, language, education, representation, and lived experience. Their contributions, alongside those of staff, community members, interpreters, and practitioners, reflect the collaborative and dialogic nature of the event. The programme combines short presentations, storytelling, and interactive sessions, encouraging reflection, discussion, and shared learning. With BSL interpreters present throughout, the conference offers an inclusive and accessible space for engagement.

This event provides an opportunity to celebrate Deafness, explore issues of identity and belonging, and strengthen connections between past and present students, educators, and the wider community.