This past weekend, Sally, a member of the Deaf Umbrella staff, proudly supported the Deaf Pickleball Action Group (DPAG) at the Pickleball Open in Telford, where she volunteered her time and expertise as a Communication Support Worker (CSW). DPAG had a stand at the event, promoting Deaf awareness and British Sign Language (BSL) in the world of pickleball—a sport rapidly gaining popularity in the UK.
The event brought together players from around the globe, making it the perfect venue to showcase the importance of accessibility in sports. Sally assisted at the stand, where many players stopped by to learn BSL numbers for scoring. This hands-on interaction helped break down communication barriers, allowing Deaf players to fully participate in the game. Bryan, a Deaf Pickleball coach, was on hand to offer his insights and expertise, further enriching the experience for everyone involved.
The presence of the DPAG stand at such a prestigious event was a significant step forward in raising Deaf awareness in the pickleball community. It highlighted the importance of accessibility for all players, not just those who are hearing. Pickleball England, the event’s organisers, supported these efforts, recognising the value of making the sport inclusive for everyone.
While the event was a success, there were also valuable lessons learned. The DPAG is considering adapting their banner to focus more on accessibility for all, including Deaf players, aligning with the inclusive vision of Pickleball England.
Deaf Umbrella is proud of the role our staff played in this important initiative. We look forward to continuing our partnership with organisations like DPAG and Pickleball England to ensure that sports are accessible to everyone, regardless of their hearing ability.
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