BDA Scotland · Dementia

Transforming the Deaf Dementia Experience

Accessible BSL information, practical resources and lived experience for Deaf people living with dementia, their carers, families and communities.

About the project

Dementia information created with Deaf people in mind

Transforming the Deaf Dementia Experience is a community initiative supporting Deaf people living with dementia and the people who care for them.

BDA Scotland developed accessible information, resources and toolkits in British Sign Language. The project has also supported dementia-friendly training and research into diagnosis, care and support.

Contact BDA Scotland: dementia.scot@bda.org.uk

Find what you need

Choose a starting point

Go straight to a topic or continue to the complete searchable BSL library.

01Understand dementiaIntroductions to dementia and different types of dementia in BSL. 02Get practical informationCommunication, assessment, safety, everyday life and support. 03Hear from carersPersonal stories, reflections and coping advice from Deaf carers. 04Make spaces dementia friendlyPractical guidance for making Deaf clubs more welcoming and supportive.

BSL resource library

Explore the video collection

Search by a word or choose a topic. Videos open in an accessible player only when selected.

65 videos

Resources for Deaf clubs

Download conversation resources

Use these printable picture packs to prompt memories and conversations with Deaf club members living with dementia.

Famous Scottish facesZIP download Famous Scottish placesZIP download Historic Deaf equipmentZIP download

Project gallery

Photographs from BDA Scotland visits, presentations and activities with Deaf clubs and community groups.

  • Trophies and historic photographs displayed at a Deaf club.
  • Deaf club members seated together in the club hall.
  • Deaf club members gathered around tables during a project visit.
  • A large group of Deaf club members waving from their tables.
  • A Deaf club member holding an illustration of a historic Ayrshire bus.
  • Kilmarnock Deaf Club meeting room with its photograph and trophy display.
  • Historic portraits displayed in Kilmarnock Deaf Club.
  • Deaf club members watching a dementia-friendly presentation.
  • A presenter signing to Deaf club members seated around tables.
  • Deaf club members taking part in a BDA Scotland session.
  • Participants and activity materials during a dementia-friendly Deaf club session.
  • Deaf club members following a dementia-friendly presentation.
  • A group of Deaf club members and BDA project participants.
  • Deaf club members posing together after a project presentation.
  • Deaf club members taking part in a table activity.
  • Dundee Deaf Club members and BDA project participants.
  • A BDA presenter signing beside a dementia-friendly Deaf club presentation.

Continue exploring

Deaf Dementia ToolkitFollow the six-part BSL journey or download the complete toolkit. Deaf Dementia ResearchRead the findings about Deaf people with dementia and care homes in Scotland.