Research into Deaf participation in the UK legal system has revealed that signing Deaf persons lack equality with their hearing peers for access to justice and citizenship. In order to facilitate justice, a fundamental paradigm shift in the way 'deafness' is conceptualised by policy makers and service practitioners is crucial, placing the insights from Deaf community members at the heart of any research. However, the paucity of in-depth, Deaf-centred research confirms the need for studies which understand Deaf experiences when encountering legal issues.

This research will focus on Citizens Advice Bureau in 3 areas, conducting in-depth studies utilising critical ethnography and participatory action research to draw on the experiences of CAB staff and the UK Deaf community. Outcomes will include recommendations policy makers and advice providers for practical action, future research, and suggestions as to how participation in legal and advice interactions may empower Deaf users and enhance a wider Deaf legal consciousness.