The Deep to Host Deaf Community Event in line with World Ocean Day

Between 5th-8th June, The Deep is proud to be partnering with the University of Edinburgh to deliver ‘Deaf Marine Weekend’ for the very first time. 

Designed specifically for the Deaf community, visitors are being invited to dive into an inspiring inclusive weekend with opportunities to connect with marine science in a relaxed and engaging setting.

This event strengthens the award-winning aquarium’s strong commitment to providing an accessible day out for all, with a mission to connecting as many visitors as possible to the ocean. 

This partnership with The Deep as a conservation charity evolved as part of the MUFFIN project (Marine Underwater Fish For INclusion). A European Erasmus+ funded project with five partners, MUFFIN involves dissemination and hosting events within marine centres and in collaboration with marine conservation charities. 

Launching in line with World Ocean Day, the Scottish Sensory Centre British Sign Language (BSL) Glossary, based in the University of Edinburgh, have developed 87 new signs for various marine species. The Deep is pleased to be a venue to provide access to these new signs with an educational focus and to facilitate conversations about marine species within the Deaf community.

For Deaf people including schoolchildren, teachers and scientists, talking about specific marine species usually means spelling out each term letter by letter. Events such as ‘Deaf Marine Weekend’ signify the importance of engaging the Deaf community in topics of marine conservation and environmental discussion.

In additional to learning the new signs, BSL-interpreted ocean talks will be running across the four days between 11am-2pm alongside hands-on sensory activities. Deaf learners from a local school will also be attending on the Friday for a dedicated science workshop.

Katy Duke, Chief Executive Officer at The Deep, said:

“As a charity, we take pride in providing an accessible day out for everyone to connect with and celebrate the ocean. Through hosting Deaf Marine Weekend in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, we’re collectively helping to ensure that more visitors can experience the wonder of marine life, learn about the challenges facing our oceans, and feel empowered to play a role in protecting them.

We look forward to welcoming the Deaf community to an event that is designed to be engaging, accessible, and inspiring for all.”

Dr Audrey Cameron, Chancellor’s Fellow (Science Education and Sign Language) at the University of Edinburgh, said:

“It's incredibly exciting to see The Deep open its doors to the Deaf community in this way. Events like this remind us that science belongs to everyone, and that with the right resources, there are no barriers to exploring the natural world.”