Our History
Empowering Deaf communities since 1897
From the beginning, Action Deafness has proudly taken the lead in providing services created by and for Deaf individuals. We create a welcoming environment where Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people can easily access the resources they need. Our journey, rooted in over 127 years of commitment, is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity, accessibility, and uplifting the amazing communities we serve.
A Legacy of Commitment and Change
Founded in 1897 as the Leicester and County Mission for the Deaf, our organisation has a long and rich history of supporting the Deaf community. Over the decades, we evolved through mergers with Deaf Direct and Walsall Deaf Community Services. Critically, from its inception, the organisation has been Deaf-led, with governance, management, and the majority of its workforce composed of individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing. In 2006, we proudly adopted the name Action Deafness, building upon this strong foundation.
Advocacy and Innovation
Throughout our history, Action Deafness has championed equal access to healthcare, education, and employment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. We have led the way in developing inclusive services, providing British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, personal care, and specialised training for both Deaf clients and the professionals who support them. Our work is grounded in the belief that Deafness does not limit anyone’s potential or opportunities.
Growing Reach and Impact
Over the years, Action Deafness has expanded its services across the UK, reaching more communities and partnering with organisations that share our vision for inclusion. Our programs have evolved to include Hubs Connect, Supported Living, Sensory Services, and Care, all of which provide tailored support to meet the diverse needs of the Deaf community. Today, we continue to grow, innovate, and advocate, creating new pathways for access and empowerment.
Timeline of Our History
1897: Founded as the Leicester and County Mission for the Deaf in June 1897.
1915: Premises acquired in Causeway Lane, Leicester.
1927: Establishment of Worcestershire & Herefordshire Association of the Deaf (WHAD).
1946: First Oxford Deaf Centre Building - 65 Banbury Road. Establishment of Walsall Deaf People's Centre.
1949: Establishment of Loughborough & District Mission.
1952: Establishment of Oxford Association of the Deaf.
1957: Moved to Oxford Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre, St Ebbs Place.
1961: Leicester & County Mission moved to premises at 135 Welford Road, Leicester.
1970: Start of Service Level Agreement with Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council for Social Work Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. This arrangement ended in early 2005.
1997: Leicester & County Mission Celebrated its 100th Year Anniversary.
1999: WHAD rebranded as Deaf Direct.
2006: Re-branded and re-launched as Action Deafness.
2009: Action Deafness Ltd, a company established by guarantee, established for trading services across the UK.
2010: Action Deafness moves from Welford Road to the Peepul Centre.
AD Community & Care Services launched.
Communication and Interpreting service rebranded as AD Communications.
2011: AD Services launched at an Evening Reception at the House of Commons, London.
Obtained quality standards ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 accreditation.
2012: 17 Forest Road, Loughborough sold.
2015: Action Deafness became a charitable company, merging previous entities.
2016: Action Deafness becomes a registered personal care provider under new Care Quality Commission (CQC) accreditation.
2017: Main office relocated to Loughborough University.
2019: Merged with Deaf Direct and Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre.
2020: Merged with Walsall Deaf Community Services.
Gained ISO 18841 accreditation - first UK BSL Interpreting Service provider to have gained this status.
2022: Hubs Connect launched in March 2022.
Gained Scottish registration status (OSCR).
Secured a new County Durham contract for AD Durham Specialist Sensory Services.
Secured new Communicator Guide Support contract from Staffordshire County Council.
2023: Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre building sold.
A new AD Sensory Services launched.
2024: Agreed formal partnership with DEAFvibe UK (Stoke & Staffordshire).
Launched UK's first BSL-driven Customer Service via AD 360 and first ever Deaf Lottery UK which attracted over 30 deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind societies as partners.
2025: Acquired new Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) registration.
Secured a new Hertfordshire contract for Communicator Guide and Intervenor Services.
Secured new contract in Hartlepool for Sensory Services Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) provision.
Received renewed ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 18441 accreditation.
Integrated with Wales Council for Deaf People (WCDP) along with new Deaf Outreach Services from South Wales.
