Deaf Perspectives:

Past, Present and Future

  • Deaf Perspectives: Past, Present and Future was a National Lottery Heritage funded filmmaking project with the Offshoot Foundation, which ran throughout the first half of 2025. The project involved 23 students aged 11-15, both d/Deaf and hearing, from King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and Northgate High School in Ipswich, Suffolk.

    We made 8 documentary films on various aspects of d/Deaf experience and cultural heritage, led by the students, and involving 3 field trips, interviewees from a multitude of different careers and fields, and a screening to an invited audience at the Suffolk Archives. The films are available online and have also been deposited in the Suffolk Archives.

  • The project aims to spread d/Deaf awareness and provide resources to help make society more accessible and understanding. The students who took part developed new skills, both technical and social, and grew massively in confidence. The films were screened to an invited audience in June and shared online for anyone to see!

  • I had the great pleasure of directing this project. I learnt a huge amount from the young people, our interviewees, and my colleagues, not just about making the filmmaking process more accessible, but also about the importance of offering platforms through the arts for under-represented voices to feel like they can be heard and respected.

    Moreover, I grew up attending Offshoot Foundation workshops before becoming a facilitator, so to be able to work with them on a project of this scale, supporting young people’s development the same way I was supported was wonderful.

Being Deaf at University

In this film we meet four deaf university students. We hear first-hand about their experiences, and what they would like to see change in the future.

The Evolution of Hearing Technology

Harry and Riley take a trip through time to learn about the development of hearing technology – from the people who invented it!

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Deafness and Education - Past, Present and Future

This film explores how education for deaf children has changed over time. We find out what has got better, and how schools can become more deaf-friendly.

Can, Not Can’t - A Performance in British Sign Language

A celebration of British Sign Language, detailing the history of the language and using it to tell a story written and performed by the young people on this project.

  • "You really brought out my confidence, even though I could not pronounce the words right you never gave up on me."

    —Student

  • "He is so much more confident and it has enabled him to become an advocate for all disadvantaged people."

    —Parent

  • "I've loved trying new skills and stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people. I wish this project didn't have to finish."

    —Student

  • "I have a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers d/Deaf students face and how a lot of these concerns can fall through the cracks."

    —Audience

The World of Work

Join us to meet deaf people at all stages of a wide range of careers. We also take a look into the past, finding out about jobs done by deaf people in early 20th-century Suffolk.

The BSL GCSE: Campaigning for Change

A story almost a decade in the making, we speak to Daniel Jillings about his experience campaigning for a GCSE in British Sign Language and how his journey is inspiring others.

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Our Top Tips for Hearing People

Taken from conversations with our young people, this film highlights what they wish the hearing world knew about deaf people and how to talk to them.

  • "It was enormously positive for the children to celebrate, share and develop their d/Deaf identities."

    —Teacher

  • "I can't thank you enough for this amazing opportunity that you have given me."

    —Student

  • "Thank you for trying to boost my confidence and all the hard work you put in for us."

    —Student

  • "This is one of my favourite experiences ever, this whole thing built my confidence and my personality."

    —Student

An Offshoot Foundation project, funded by National Lottery Heritage Funding.

Photo credit to: Hannah Salisbury and James McKellar