Deaf Legal Theory Foundation
The Deaf Legal Theory Foundation (DLTF) will be a deaf-led legal think tank, research partner, and training provider dedicated to transforming legal systems for deaf communities worldwide.
DLTF will address the systemic exclusion of deaf people from legal and political processes by combining academic research, community co-production, and legal reform strategies.
What DLTF will do
DLTF will operate across five interconnected pillars of change:
- Research and analysis – study how legal systems marginalise deaf people, from courtroom barriers to the lack of sign language recognition.
- Knowledge and capacity building – provide training to lawyers, policymakers, NGOs, and deaf individuals on deaf-inclusive legal systems and participatory methods.
- Policy and advocacy – work with governments and organisations to develop deaf-inclusive legal frameworks and push for systemic reform.
- Empowerment and engagement – equip deaf communities with tools and resources to advocate for change, and promote deaf leadership in law and policy.
- Monitoring and growth – evaluate outcomes, gather feedback from deaf communities, and scale work across legal systems and countries.
Why DLTF will be needed
Legal systems around the world have been designed for hearing people. They often fail to recognise sign languages, provide interpreter access, or support deaf participation in lawmaking and legal education. DLTF will ensure deaf people are not just consulted—but are co-creators of the laws that govern their lives.
Our vision
Transforming legal systems for deaf communities worldwide.
Partnerships
DLTF will work with local, national, and international organisations—including NGOs, deaf associations, academic institutions, and the World Federation of the Deaf—to co-produce change. Planned collaborations include pilot projects in Ghana and with the British Deaf Association.
For more information, please see the infographic on the left. If you’re interested in finding out more about the DLTF, please Contact us.
