Let’s support our friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and strangers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing by educating ourselves.
South Africa (19 September 2025) – Every September, the world stops to recognise the International Month for Deaf People. It began back in 1951 with the very first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, and today it’s still about raising awareness, celebrating deaf culture, and standing alongside the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Here at home, we should always be working to keep that awareness alive. We at Good Things Guy love to celebrate the milestones that the deaf community has and continues to reach.
This year, an app was launched that allows those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing to connect with interpreters virtually at any time, making it easier to connect with others.
And at the Manyardville Open-Air Festival in Cape Town earlier this year, it helped make Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ more accessible to the hard-of-hearing and deaf community with the introduction of professional South African Sign Language interpreters, deaf interpreters, and a loop system for hearing aid users.
We’ve also seen deaf developers become part of the momentum that helps tech become more accessible for others.
We’re a proud nation who keeps on pushing for more inclusivity. Not so long ago, we marked a special milestone when South African Sign Language was signed into law as our official 12th language.
But awareness isn’t just about laws and policy. It’s about how we, in our everyday lives, can create a world that’s friendlier, more accessible, and more respectful of our deaf and hard-of-hearing friends, family members, co-\workers, colleagues, and strangers too.
Here are a few simple, practical ways you can do that at home, at work, or in your community:
Learn the Basics of SASL
You don’t need to become an expert overnight, but even a few words in sign language can completely change an interaction. Imagine walking into a shop and being greeted in your language – it’s a moment of recognition that says ‘you matter here.’ There are plenty of free resources online, and even short workshops you can join. If you’re a teacher, nurse, cashier or receptionist, a little SASL knowledge can go a very long way.
Educate Yourself (and Others)
Deaf culture isn’t only about language, it’s also about history, identity, and community. By learning more about it, you start to understand the unique challenges people face and the pride they take in their culture. Share what you learn with your kids, friends, or colleagues. It might be something as simple as explaining why lip-reading is exhausting or why clapping in deaf culture often looks like waving your hands in the air. The more we all know, the more normal inclusivity becomes.
Think About Accessibility
We’ve all sat through a meeting where someone mumbles or where the sound isn’t great. Now imagine that being your daily reality. Adding captions to your presentations, videos, or Zoom calls doesn’t only help Deaf people, it also helps those learning in a second language, or anyone in a noisy space. If you’re hosting an event, ask upfront about accessibility. Is there a sign language interpreter available, or at the very least, is there clear visual communication? These small steps make the biggest difference.
Support Deaf-Owned Businesses and Creators
Representation matters. Whether it’s buying from a deaf entrepreneur, attending a theatre show that features deaf performers, or simply following and sharing deaf creators online, every bit of support amplifies their voices. It’s also a reminder that accessibility isn’t charity it’s creating equal opportunities and celebrating talent.
Use Tech Wisely
Technology has opened incredible doors for accessibility. Live caption features on smartphones, video relay services, or even just using WhatsApp and SMS instead of insisting on phone calls can make communication smoother. If you’re in customer service, offering an email or chat option is a game-changer for someone who might dread having to make a call.
Be Patient and Inclusive
Conversations with someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing might take a little longer, especially if you’re using gestures or writing notes. Don’t rush, don’t speak louder (it doesn’t help), and don’t assume that misunderstanding means someone isn’t listening. A bit of patience and kindness can keep everyone at ease.
Remember that inclusivity doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s about slowing down, learning a little, and remembering that language in whatever form is one of the most powerful ways we connect as people.
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