The Deaf Hub supports students and families at EKC Canterbury College

Students who are d/Deaf/Hard of hearing can access the Deaf Hub to meet others in their community, attend internal and external deaf events and relax in an accessible environment. 

Students may have a Communication Support Worker (CSW) during class time. The Deaf Hub space is designed to provide d/Deaf/Hard of hearing students with support in their College life.  

Tyler, a CSW for EKC Canterbury College, is often staffed in the Deaf Hub outside of supporting students in class. 

He told us: “This is a space in the College where students can feel reassured that, if someone enters the room, there will always be someone available to sign and communicate what is being said to them.” 

The Deaf Hub includes a TV playing movies or shows with captions, specific deaf TV programmes and Lumo TV shows. 

There is something for all deaf students, regardless of if they use a CSW in class or not. The hub provides community support and is a centre for those who want to socialise with other deaf students. 

A Level student, Alesha, regularly uses the space during her lunch period. 

When asked if it is difficult to be deaf at College, she said: “It’s easy. There’s a lot of support like special laptops and CSWs. The teachers are trained, so they’re deaf-aware.” 

Alesha found the Deaf Hub while attending an Open Day event before enrolling at College. The CSW staff aim to attend our Open Day events to speak to prospective deaf students or deaf parents of hearing children that visit EKC Canterbury College. 

Tyler said: “It’s about ensuring that the Deaf Hub is a space that can be accessed by everyone, whether that’s d/Deaf/Hard of hearing parents who may need a CSW to support them during an Open Day, or children of deaf adults (CODA) who may also want to access and use the space.” 

“At its heart, the Deaf Hub serves as a place for Deaf culture, language and community to be shared, celebrated and brought together.” 

Find us in the Learning Resources Centre at our next Open Day event to see the hub, speak to a signing staff member and learn more about the Deaf Hub.