About DAT
Deaf Awareness Training (DAT)
was founded to challenge the barriers that Deaf people face every day — in work, in education, and in the wider community. Based in London, DAT is run by a Deaf professional who brings personal experience and passion into every session.
My Story
Hello, I’m the founder of DAT. I became Deaf at the age of two after contracting meningitis. I grew up in the hearing world, not knowing that the Deaf community even existed. For many years, I navigated life with limited access, often feeling isolated, misunderstood, or left behind.
It wasn’t until 2018 that I was introduced to the Deaf community and began learning British Sign Language (BSL). That’s when everything changed. I finally felt a sense of belonging - a cultural identity that had been missing for so long.
After being made redundant and facing constant challenges trying to find new employment, I began to realise just how many barriers Deaf people face. These experiences shaped my mission: to use my voice and lived experience to raise awareness, and to create a more inclusive, Deaf-aware world.
Why DAT?
DAT exists to build bridges between Deaf and hearing communities. Whether it’s a taster session in BSL or an interactive workshop on Deaf awareness, every session is designed to:
• Educate people about Deaf culture
• Break down communication barriers
• Equip individuals and organisations to be more inclusive and accessible through training, stories, and lived experience, DAT aims to make lasting change - not just awareness, but action.