EdSign Lecture: Communication or Language? Reframing Access for Deaf Signers in Disaster Contexts by Visiting SGSAH EARTH Scholar Leyla Craig

Description

Deaf signers are often marginalised in disaster planning. Interpreted or translated information in sign languages such as BSL or Auslan do not always guarantee meaningful access during disaster events, such as wildfire and floods. This PhD research explores how institutional assumptions about communication and language accessibility shape disaster preparedness and response, using qualitative methods and case studies involving Deaf organisations and emergency services in Australia and data from seven other countries. It critically examines the distinction between “language access” and “communication access” in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. In this talk, I will outline key findings and what these mean for emergency services and Deaf communities.

Period	22 May 2025
Event type	Seminar
Location	United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National