From 2000 to 2025: 25 Years of Breaking Barriers

This October, Deaf Umbrella turns 25.

What started back in 2000 as a small idea to support Deaf people in education and work has grown into a trusted organisation with a national reputation. Over the years, we’ve trained, supported, and worked alongside thousands of Deaf students, employees, and professionals.

There have been many milestones along the way: from welcoming our first Communication Support Workers, to achieving CPD accreditation for our online training, to winning awards for education and inclusion.

Over 25 years, we’ve gathered memories that shape who we are today. We’ve stood proudly as long-time supporters of Limping Chicken and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, celebrated weddings, and wished colleagues well as they moved on to new chapters.

We’ve changed offices and refreshed our logo, collected awards, and even found ourselves on BBC News. We’ve met inspiring personalities, supported charities like Ellenor, and, most importantly, witnessed the success of countless Deaf people achieving their goals.

Along the way, we’ve trained new CSWs to grow into professionals and supported Deaf jobseekers to take their first steps into work.  We witnessed British Sign Language become law, and we’ve weathered challenges — even surviving a global pandemic together!

But the true success of Deaf Umbrella lies in the people: the staff who dedicate themselves daily, the students who achieve their dreams, the clients who trust us, and the wider Deaf community who inspire our mission.

25 years on, we’re proud of what we’ve built, and excited about what’s next. Thank you for being part of our journey.