What We Do
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Connections
We set up the RAE foundation to sponsor and support projects that benefit the deaf community, specifically children and also rural areas where we have identified a need to bring the community together. If you want to get in touch with us… come tell us your story
The RAE Foundation is focused on action. Our work supports families, carers, and communities in two key ways:
01.
Making BSL Accessible
For many parents and carers of deaf children, accessing BSL is expensive, inaccessible, or unsupported by local authorities. We provide grants to help families cover the costs of BSL courses, ensuring they can communicate with their child and strengthen family bonds.
02.
Fostering Community & Inclusion
Isolation can be a heavy burden for deaf children and their families, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. We fund projects and spaces that bring the deaf community together—whether it’s supporting local deaf clubs or creating opportunities for families to connect and share experiences.
These initiatives aren’t just about communication…
they’re about belonging
Isolation
There are over 50,000 deaf children across the UK. The majority born to hearing parents with limited or no knowledge of sign language.
Well-being
Babies start to develop language from birth. Early language acquisition is essential for a child’s development and well-being, yet access to sign language is patchy and expensive.
Negative Attitudes
2/3 of deaf people and people with hearing loss have experienced negative attitudes from others. Millions are being dismissed and told it doesn’t matter.
Why We Exist
Deaf children deserve access to the same opportunities as their hearing peers. Yet, 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who often have little knowledge of deafness or sign language.
Without access to BSL, many children face language deprivation, leading to lifelong challenges in emotional, cognitive, and social development. This gap is unacceptable—and we’re here to close it.