‘Sign directly with us!’
Action Deafness, a Deaf-led charity dedicated to providing essential services for Deaf* Communities across the UK, is the first UK Deaf Charity to launch an online Customer Support Service in British Sign Language (BSL), called AD 360.
AD 360 provides Deaf people and people whose first or preferred language is BSL, a fully accessible customer experience, enabling them to contact Action Deafness directly, without the need of an interpreter.
“There are around 151,000 BSL users”1 in the UK. The British Sign Language Act 2022, legally “recognises British Sign Language as a language of England, Wales and Scotland”2. BSL “has its own grammatical structure and syntax” 3, which makes it different to written and spoken English.
Action Deafness’ mission is to deliver effective cultural and communication solutions, with their vision “Deaf* people and people with sensory loss should have equal access to services”. AD 360 is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
By offering direct communication in BSL, Action Deafness will enable people to contact their dedicated customer service representatives using their preferred language, to make enquiries and find out information about services**, such as Hubs Connect events, Care services, Communications and interpreting, information about Deaf Lottery UK, and more.
“We are thrilled to be the first Deaf-led Charity in the UK to offer AD 360, an innovative BSL Customer Experience” said Craig Crowley, CEO, Action Deafness. “Thanks to our partnership with 360directvideo.com, we are showing our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. By providing direct online communication in BSL, we are ensuring that Deaf people who use BSL have equal access to our services. We are confident that other interested organisations will want to use our services in future – please do come and ‘Sign directly with us!’”
To access AD 360 BSL Customer Experience, visit Action Deafness’ website: www.actiondeafness.org.uk – Click on the AD 360 button. Connect with one of their customer service representatives, who are fluent in BSL, or leave a BSL video message.
Alongside AD 360, Action Deafness offers a variety of accessible contact methods, such as email, text and phone, making it easier for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people to contact the charity.
—
*Denotes Deaf, deaf, Deafblind, Deafened and Hard of Hearing people.
** Action Deafness’ services:
Hubs Connect
-Hubs Connect Events
-D-Youth Hub Events
-Information, Advice and Guidance Hubs (IAG)
-Floating Support Hubs
Care services
-Personal care services
-Supported living
-Deaf Extra Care at Home
-Direct Payments (Personal Assistance)
-Sensory Service (Deafblind Communicator Guide)
-Specialist outreach services
Communications
-AD 360 BSL Customer Experience
-Booking an Interpreter
-Access to Work Interpreting Support
Other
-Deaf Lottery UK
