Tasha Ghouri Opens Up About Deafness and Isolation
Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has spoken candidly about the loneliness of living in a hearing world, as she supports the RNID's 'It Does Matter' campaign. The campaign follows new research showing that nearly a quarter of the public would avoid a deaf person due to communication difficulties.
The RNID survey found that 23 per cent of respondents would shy away from conversing with deaf individuals, while 32 per cent worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. Despite these barriers, 69 per cent of people believe that knowing how to communicate with deaf individuals is everyone's responsibility, and 78 per cent are willing to learn.
Ghouri's Personal Experience
Ghouri, who was born deaf, described her experience as living in 'an invisible box' in a world designed for hearing people. She advocates for simple changes to foster inclusion, such as learning basic British Sign Language (BSL) phrases and making eye contact. 'It can feel isolating, but small efforts from others make a huge difference,' she said.
The 'It Does Matter' Campaign
The RNID campaign aims to equip the public with straightforward communication tips and introductory BSL phrases to break down everyday barriers. The charity hopes to reduce the stigma and anxiety that often surrounds interactions with deaf people.
Ghouri's involvement highlights the importance of visibility and education. 'We all have a role to play in making communication accessible for everyone,' she added.
