Statement regarding the change of name from “The British Society for Mental Health and Deafness” to “The British Society for Mental Health and Deaf People” (BSMHD)

PRESS RELEASE

The British Society for Mental Health and Deafness are updating their principal name to
“The British Society for Mental Health and Deaf People”.

The main reason for this change is that the term ‘Deafness’ has a negative connotation to it, and does not reflect Deaf people’s strengths and abilities. BSMHD trustees feel it is time to replace ‘Deafness’ with ‘Deaf people’ as the term ‘Deafness’ has been present in the title for over 30 years. Additionally, the term ‘Deafness’ is usually associated with a medical model, which does not reflect what BSMHD represents. We need to use a more positive term when referring to Deaf people in general.

The acronym of BSMHD will remain the same along with the primary mission of the Society, Promoting Positive Deaf Mental Health. The term ’Deaf people’ refers to the full range of Deaf people across the lifespan.

For further information please contact info@bsmhd.org.uk