Milton Keynes Deaf Zone (MKDZ) was formed in July 2015 and officially launched in January 2016. The group aims to promote independence, promote health and wellbeing and encourage participation in the wider community. The group primarily supports sign language users (including those who have cochlear implants) and welcomes anyone across the range of hearing loss, as well as family members.
MK Deaf Zone is a volunteer-led group that offers a range of activities such as badminton, and a monthly afternoon session at John Lewis community room. Meetings such as the Wednesday afternoon sessions are particularly important for catching up on news, finding out important information and continuing Deaf Culture.
Most activities are aimed at adults, although there are family events during the summer.
Group members have previously organised days out such as Ladies Day at Ascot or Kensington Palace to see Princess Diana’s dresses.
MK Deaf Community has had various Deaf Clubs over the years, with the first club started in 1999. Unfortunately, due to difficulties such as the lack of funding and a permanent home for club activities, there is no Deaf Club.
However, that has not stopped the Deaf Community coming together! Some community members run their own events such as the quarterly meet-up at Wetherspoons pub, football, astronomy and coffee meet ups. You can find all the social events on the socials page.
If you want find out more about Deaf history in Milton Keynes, please check out the Deaf history page. You can also visit the British Deaf Association for more general information about Deaf history and Deaf culture.
Who manages the MK Deaf Zone website?
This website is managed by Debbie Jakeman, a local BSL interpreter who has supported Milton Keynes Deaf Community for over 20 years. Debbie has supported various projects such as the Deaf Service at MK Citizens Advice Bureau, MK Deaf Club at The Cross and Stable Church in Downs Barn, the Deaf Drop In that took place at MKCIL in Central Milton Keynes and finally the launch of MKDZ in 2015.
Debbie now updates this website to ensure MK Deaf Community continues to have access to information in BSL.
If you wish to share accessible information with MK Deaf Community, please make contact via the contact page.