First, let's define 'Ecosystem'.
In nature, an ecosystem is a community of organisms living among each other, creating a system. For example, the pond pictured above is an ecosystem of living things like fish and plants, and they're contained with natural resources like water and rocks. And here’s the most important part: they’re self-reliant. That means they don't need human beings to come and feed them fish food for survival. They have everything that they need in their own ecosystem to keep things going swimmingly, generation after generation.
Got it. Now, what’s a 'Deaf Ecosystem'?
When Deaf and hard of hearing individuals interact in shared spaces, that is a Deaf community. A Deaf Ecosystem is created when the community invests in Deaf businesses, professionals, organizations, and schools. To use the pond analogy, the water is similar to resources within our community. If enough of us invest in our Deaf Ecosystem, our community will thrive and become more self-reliant.
What does investing in our Deaf Ecosystem look like?
It can be many things. It can be:
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Choosing to go to Deaf-owned businesses
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Hiring a Deaf professional to do services that your workplace or household needs
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Going to a rally for an education bill that impacts Deaf children
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Donating to your local organization that serves Deaf and hard of hearing people
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Showing up when the Deaf community needs support
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And many other ways!
In whatever way you choose to invest in our Deaf Ecosystem, it's important for us to do our part—because it means a healthier and more vibrant community for us and our future Deaf children.
Our directory is a listing of local and nationwide Deaf-owned businesses, professionals, organizations, and schools for the Deaf. A world designed for Deaf people.
Many of us have felt some kind of desire to build a stronger Deaf Ecosystem. The problem was that we didn’t know where to start or how to maintain that support. And that's why we created the Deaf Ecosystem Directory. We are committed to keeping it up-to-date so that we will always have a central resource.
Why is the Deaf Ecosystem so important to Convo?
When Convo first started in 2009, we were a tiny team of fewer than ten people. Today, we’ve grown into one of the largest Deaf-owned companies in the world, with around 250 employees. How did we get here? The answer is simple: the Deaf community.
From the very beginning, it was a small but loyal base of Deaf customers who believed in us and used our service. Those customers were never just “users” — they are also teachers, parents, leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and friends. Their trust and support built the foundation that allowed us to grow, and we’ve never forgotten that.
We know first-hand what a strong Deaf Ecosystem can do. It creates opportunities. It increases choices. It encourages collaboration. Most importantly, it brings people together.
In the UK, a healthy Deaf Ecosystem means:
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Strong Deaf schools where young people thrive.
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Deaf clubs and community centres that remain at the heart of social life.
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Deaf-led organisations and services shaping accessibility on our own terms.
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Deaf-owned businesses creating jobs, role models, and economic strength.
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A community that feels supported, valued, and connected.
This is not just a vision — it’s a future we are actively investing in. With milestones like the BSL Act 2022, greater recognition of Deaf culture, and stronger networks of Deaf professionals and organisations, we believe the UK Deaf Ecosystem has never been more important.
We are proud to be part of this journey. We are proud to be part of the Deaf Ecosystem.