#42- Deaf, Not Silent: A Vision for Deaf Accessibility

Firas Al Mubayad joins the podcast to share his powerful journey as a deaf advocate, educator, and entrepreneur. From growing up in Kuwait and moving to the UK for better education to founding AMB Deaf Accessibility, Firas has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf communities. His work empowers individuals and organizations through bespoke BSL training, consultancy services, and accessibility advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy

• How Firas lost his hearing at age two and the challenges his family faced navigating deaf education in Kuwait.
• The decision to move to the UK for better opportunities and the emotional impact of leaving his family behind at age nine.
• The cultural shifts, struggles, and triumphs of adapting to life in a new country, learning BSL, and building a future.

Building a Career and Supporting the Deaf Community

• How Firas pursued fashion design, becoming the first deaf graduate from Johns Hopkins University in Liverpool.
• The unexpected challenges of returning to the Middle East and why he ultimately chose to build a business in the UK instead.
• His transition from fashion to advocacy and education, recognizing the urgent need for better deaf accessibility.

The State of Deaf Education and Inclusion

• The barriers faced by deaf individuals in education, healthcare, and employment.
• The lack of awareness in mainstream schools about deaf culture and why sign language education is essential.
• The impact of closing deaf schools and the fight to keep British Sign Language (BSL) in the curriculum.

Empowering Businesses and Institutions to Be More Inclusive

• How AMB Deaf Accessibility is transforming businesses, from small schools to global brands like Nestlé Nespresso.
• The importance of training baristas, customer service teams, and corporate employees in basic BSL to improve accessibility.
• The legal and social shifts around deaf rights in the UK, including the BSL Act of 2022.

Firas’ Mission: A More Accessible Future

• Why early exposure to BSL can change lives and how teaching children sign language fosters better inclusion.
• His efforts to expand BSL education in schools, despite financial and bureaucratic hurdles.
• How he is working with MPs and policymakers to push for better accessibility laws and funding.

Firas’ Advice for Entrepreneurs and Advocates

• Don’t give up. If one door closes, find another.
• Choose the right people. Surround yourself with those who believe in your vision.
• Think long-term. Building a movement takes time, but perseverance creates change.
• Focus on accessibility. If we make the world more inclusive for deaf people, everyone benefits.

Connect with Firas and Learn More:

📌 Website Deaf Accessibility

📌 Instagram Deaf Accessibility 

📌LinkedIn Feras Al Moubayed

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about inclusivity. What role can you play in making the world more accessible?

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