Lipreading Awareness Week 2025: Proud to Champion the Cause
8–12 September 2025 marksLipreading Awareness Week, a time dedicated to recognising the skill, resilience, and communication needs of lipreaders. We are proud to support this important annual campaign, shining a light on the role of lipreading in everyday communication and raising deaf awareness across the UK.
What Is Lipreading and Why Is It Important?
Lipreading is a visual communication skill used by many deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing people to understand speech by watching the speaker’s mouth, facial expressions, and body language.
While lipreading can be a vital lifeline, it is not a perfect science. Many English sounds look similar on the lips, and without context, only around 40% of spoken words can be understood through lipreading alone. That means lipreaders often work incredibly hard to fill in the gaps, combining visual cues with context and other communication support.
Lipreading in the UK: Key Facts
Over 12 million people in the UK have hearing loss – around 1 in 5 adults.
Many deafened and hard-of-hearing people rely on lipreading in everyday life, particularly if English is their first language.
Deaf lipreaders often need clear communication environments – good lighting, no face coverings, and speakers who face them directly.
Lipreading is not a substitute for full accessibility – it is one part of a wider set of communication tools such as Lipspeakers, speech-to-text reporting, and captions.
Why Lipreading Awareness Matters
Communication barriers for lipreaders are often overlooked. In busy, noisy, or poorly lit settings, lipreading becomes much harder. Yet, with small adjustments, conversations can be far more inclusive.
Common myths – such as the idea that speaking louder helps need to be replaced with better public understanding. Real lipreading awareness means:
Facing the person directly and keeping your mouth visible.
Speaking clearly and at a steady pace.
Using natural gestures and expressions to support understanding.
Being patient and prepared to repeat or rephrase.
How You Can Support Lipreading Awareness Week
This September, we’re inviting individuals, workplaces, and communities to get involved:
Share information about lipreading awareness on social media.
Encourage deaf awareness training in your workplace or community group.
Host events or discussions to highlight the experiences of lipreaders.
Make small changes in everyday communication to help deaf lipreaders feel included.
We’re Proud to Champion Lipreading Awareness Week 2025
As a leading organisation behind Lipreading Awareness Week 2025, our mission is to:
Raise the profile of lipreading within accessibility and deaf awareness conversations.
Empower lipreaders by promoting understanding and supportive communication practices.
Champion inclusive communication, ensuring everyone—regardless of hearing ability – can fully take part in life.
Let’s make the week count. Together, we can celebrate lipreaders, break down barriers, and promote communication equality for all