EFHOH Hearing Access Week

Raising awareness and promoting inclusion for people with hearing loss

Hearing Access Week is a new initiative of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH) taking place on the 2nd week of March annually with the goal of increasing awareness of accessibility needs for hard of hearing people and supporting accessible spaces that enable hard of hearing and deafened people to fully participate. The Hearing Access Week builds on the WHO World Hearing Day proceeding advocacy campaign held on 3rd March every year.

What is Hearing Access?

Hearing access is the availability of services, technologies or accommodations that make it possible for HH to access information, communicate and participate in various activities.

Hearing access is essential for ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion.

Hearing access is crucial for ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the society especially in crisis and emergencies. It should be considered and must be an essential mean for accessibility in all areas of life within the European Union to create a more accessible and stronger union where people with hearing loss can fully participate.

Objectives:

The theme of the campaign is “Hear Us Out. Changing Mindsets on Hearing Loss and Access”. The objectives of the campaign are:

  • To raise awareness of the barriers and challenges that hard of hearing people face in accessing public spaces and services, and the impact that this has on their lives.
  • To inform and educate the public, service providers, policy makers and stakeholders about the access needs and rights of hard of hearing people, and the benefits of hearing accessibility for everyone.
  • To empower and mobilise hard of hearing people and their organisations to advocate for their access rights and support the campaign..
  • Empower representatives of people with hearing loss to be directly involved in policies at local and national levels.

Launch:

11 of March 2024 – 16 March 2024

How to get Involved

The Hearing Access Week is an opportunity for everyone to join the movement for hearing accessibility and inclusion. Whether you are a hard of hearing person, a service provider, a policy maker, a stakeholder or a supporter, you can get involved in the campaign. You can:

  • Follow and share our social media posts with hashtags #HearingAccessWeek #HAW24 and #HearUsOut, featuring stories, tips and resources on hearing accessibility.
  • Shout out for Hearing Access providers, let them know they are appreciated!
  • Share your thoughts on Hearing Access
  • Share images from the Social media kit on your social media. 

Together, we can make a difference in raising awareness of hearing loss and create society accessible for all with hearing loss.

#HearUsOut and join the Hearing Access Week!