Gold deaf-friendly standard for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022
by Educate Magazine August 8, 2022 · Education News
The Birmingham 2022 organising committee becomes the first organisation to receive the bronze, silver and now gold Deaf-friendly Standard.
There have been over 260 gold medals awarded to athletes from over 25 different nations so far at the games and the Birmingham Games 2022 itself is also joining them in receiving a gold standard of its own.
The National Deaf Children’s Society has awarded Birmingham 2022 the gold Deaf-Friendly Standard of excellence – the first organisation to successfully be awarded all three levels of bronze, silver and gold standards of excellence.
The Deaf-friendly Standard was created to help organisations be as inclusive as they can for deaf children and young people. Achieving the gold standard demonstrates Birmingham 2022’s commitment to involving deaf young people and increasing access to opportunities within the games.
With the biggest ever para sports offering at a Commonwealth Games so far and the first games to have a dedicated access function, this award is in recognition of just some of the work to make Birmingham 2022 the most accessible Commonwealth Games.
Accessibility has been embedded across the games, beyond just considerations within the venues. This includes the development of games look and wayfinding; incorporating British Sign Language interpretation at opening and closing ceremonies; providing hearing augmentation device hire; awareness training for staff and even assistive technology, such as the accessibility toolbar on the games website.
Emma Ord, head of accessibility at Birmingham 2022 said: “We’ve always said we want Birmingham 2022 to be a games for all, so we’re extremely proud to have achieved Gold Deaf Friendly Standard certification.
“Gaining this certification demonstrates our commitment to hosting an accessible and inclusive games.”
As part of the games, the National Deaf Children’s Society nominated a selection of “young inspectors” to experience and attend the games’ opening ceremony.
With accessibility a key consideration across the games, Birmingham 2022 is committed to ensuring that the world-class sport, celebration of culture and overall Games experience can be enjoyed by all.
