Thriving against the odds: supporting Deaf ethnic minority communities in Scotland

Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, contributions and resilience of Black and ethnic minority communities, while recognising the inequalities that persist. In this guest blog, Tasnim Ahmed from the Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Charity shares insights into the intersectional barriers faced by Deaf people from racially minoritised communities and the work being done to improve inclusion, access and wellbeing.

Every day at the Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Charity (SEMDC), we meet people who are navigating more than one barrier at  a time. For many Deaf people from ethnic minority backgrounds, life in Scotland involves juggling communication challenges, migration experiences, racism, poverty, and systems that weren’t designed with their needs in mind. These issues don’t often appear in public health conversations, yet they shape people’s wellbeing in very real ways.

SEMDC was created because too many people were slipping through the gaps. Services often assume there is one “Deaf experience” or one “ethnic minority experience”, when in reality people’s identities overlap in ways that create unique challenges. Some of the people we support use British Sign Language (BSL), while others rely on home‑country sign languages, gestures, or a mix of visual communication styles. Some have lived through trauma linked to migration or displacement. Many face racism or cultural misunderstanding in school, at work, or when accessing public services. Over time, these experiences can build up, creating a profound sense of exclusion that may not be fully captured in data but is felt in everyday life.

A big part of our work is helping people access services in ways that feel safe, respectful, and culturally informed. One of the tools that makes this possible is Deaf Relay Interpreting. Relay interpreters can understand and interpret various modes of signed communication, cultural contexts, and communication styles, and they bridge the gap between hearing BSL interpreters and Deaf people who need additional and bespoke communication support. This specialist approach helps people engage confidently in healthcare appointments, legal processes, education, and social services, without fear of misunderstanding or judgement.

We also support families through one-to-one advocacy, youth work and community workshops. Parents often tell us they feel lost when trying to navigate systems that do not recognise their communication needs or cultural background. Something as simple as a routine dental check-up, eye test or hairdressing appointment can become extremely stressful when the right support is not in place. By providing tailored guidance and practical support, we help families feel more confident, informed and able to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

But public health isn’t only about services, it’s also about connection. Our community events give Deaf ethnic minority people a chance to meet others who share similar lived experiences. These spaces reduce isolation, strengthen identity, and build trust. They also help us understand what’s happening on the ground: mental health pressures linked to racism, barriers in accessing social security, challenges in employment, and the impact of poverty on Deaf families. These insights help us advocate for change and highlight where systems need to improve.

One thing we’ve learned is that inequality is often invisible unless you know where to look. There’s limited data on Deaf communities, and almost none on Deaf ethnic minority communities. This means that the experiences of Deaf people rarely appear in policy discussions, even though the issues they face — communication inequality, language deprivation, access to information, lack of Deaf and cultural awareness, racism, poverty, and exclusion —  are central to public health. By shining a light on this community, GCPH is helping make these experiences visible, and we’re glad to contribute.

Looking ahead, we want to strengthen culturally informed BSL access, expand youth support, and work with partners to improve understanding of intersectional Deaf experiences. Public health organisations, policymakers, and community groups all have a role in making sure Deaf ethnic minority people aren’t left behind. With the right support, our community can thrive — and we see that every day in the strength, creativity, and resilience of the people we work with.

Black History Month is a chance to celebrate resilience and leadership across communities. For us, it’s also a reminder that tackling inequality starts with listening to voices that are often unheard. We’re grateful to GCPH for creating space for this conversation and look forward to sharing more about our work and the community we serve.

About the author

Tasnim Ahmed is Operations Manager with the Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Charity, supporting Deaf ethnic minority families across Scotland through advocacy, community development, and accessible communication. Their work focuses on reducing inequality and improving access to public services for communities facing multiple barriers.