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Key Recommendations from Participant Perspectives

1. Recognising the diversity of d/Deaf young people’s experiences, identities, and communication preferences, and avoiding assumptions about what d/Deaf young adults need or how they experience the world.

2. Asking d/Deaf emerging adults about their individual access needs and preferences, rather than relying on assumptions or one-size-fits-all approaches, and ensuring appropriate communication support (e.g. technology, interpreters) and opportunities for 'hearing breaks' (for those with hearing devices) where needed.

3. Improving d/Deaf awareness across healthcare, education, and employment settings, including staff training, greater understanding of communication access requirements, and proactive planning for accessibility arrangements.

4. Acknowledging the systemic barriers and accessibility challenges that many d/Deaf emerging adults navigate in everyday life, the impact this has on well-being and working to reduce these barriers.

5. Supporting positive d/Deaf identities, including opportunities to connect with d/Deaf peers, mentors, role models, and culturally Deaf community spaces.

6. Recognising and valuing d/Deaf strengths, perspectives, languages, and ways of knowing, including the importance of British Sign Language (BSL), visual strengths, and Deaf gain.

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