Voices and Gestures: Inclusive Approaches to Learning and Communication

My talk will explore what it’s like to be deaf, why it’s important for people to learn BSL, and how this can help improve communication and inclusion. I’ll also be sharing my personal experiences.

As part of the session, I will demonstrate the difference between natural hearing and hearing through a cochlear implant. This will help people better understand that what we hear is very different from what hearing people experience.

Dementia research often relies on creative methods — like art, music, or storytelling — to help people take part. But researchers don’t always explain why they choose certain methods, and too often under‑represented groups are left out. When that happens, research isn’t equal, and the evidence base becomes limited. My work explores why scientists select particular creative approaches, and how we can identify the most inclusive methods so that everyone — regardless of background or ability — can participate. By making dementia research more creative and more inclusive, we can build evidence that truly reflects the diversity of people living with dementia.