DEAFgain and the Deaf Identity Chat Cards have been created by deaf teacher of the deaf (QTOD), Sally Evans...

Having grown up deaf in mainstream schools and very much within the hearing world, I was always curious about the deaf community.  

I wasn't sure how to find out more or even what my questions were. As a young adult, I wrestled with my identity feeling caught between the hearing world and deaf world.  Learning BSL, deaf history, technology and culture has shown me 'deaf gain', gifted me a stronger deaf identity and the confidence to become a part of the deaf community... I only wish I had done it all sooner!

Curiosity to creativity 

I was looking for a way to help deaf children and young people explore their deaf identity, while making sure they felt in control of the conversation – I strongly believe in the power of pupil voice and involving young people in decision making.  

I couldn't find what I needed, so, drawing on my personal experiences as well as professional knowledge as a teacher, SENDCo and teacher of the deaf, I decided to create something new….

Letting young people lead the way

Developing these chat cards became my passion project and Alexia Pinchbeck helped bring my ideas to life with her zesty and fun illustrations – this is not your usual teaching resource!  

Seeing the impact of the chat cards has been amazing. Letting children and young people take the lead has opened new conversations about their experiences and understanding of their deaf identity.  

The feedback from young people has been that they love the vibrancy of the cards, the fun illustrations and the game-like approach to chatting. They’ve felt more knowledgeable about their own deafness, confident to wear their hearing devices with pride, excited to meet other young people and sharing everything they’ve learnt with their classmates or even in whole school assemblies!

Celebrating DEAFgain 

Creating and testing the cards has triggered many valuable conversations about ‘deaf gain’ (as opposed to hearing 'loss') with the children I work with, colleagues, friends and my hearing family and children. 

A recent addition to our family has been my wonderful hearing dog Charlie who helps me in many ways, both professionally and personally (you might even spot him in the cards!).

I want to use DEAFgain to continue these chats and celebrate deaf identity and awareness and I would love to hear your experiences and ideas. 

So...let’s get chatting!