About CDA

The Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) has been at the heart of the Deaf Community in Cambridgeshire for more than 100 years.

Most of our team are deaf or have partial hearing loss, which means that we have a deep understanding of Deaf People’s needs. No other organisation in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local authority areas has our experience or can offer the same level of support to the Deaf Community.

Important local services that hearing people take for granted are often not accessible to Deaf People because they are not available in British Sign Language (BSL). Access to healthcare, benefits, protection from domestic violence and isolation can be a real challenge without BSL.

That’s where we can help

CDA staff and volunteers are experts and ensure that Deaf People have equal access to local services. We partner with professional organisations to make their services accessible to Deaf People, and we provide a wide range of our own services.

Sometimes there is more than deafness and hearing loss. CDA’s qualified workers support clients who live with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or other additional needs. Our team also helps to protect vulnerable Deaf People from abuse, and deaf women from domestic violence.

The link between hearing loss, social isolation and severe loneliness is well understood. That’s why CDA holds hundreds of deaf drop-in and outreach events every year to combat isolation in the Deaf Community

Whether they need support with deafness and hearing loss, or would like to work with us, or learn more about the Deaf Community and BSL, everyone is welcome at CDA.

In the early 1900’s a deaf man called George Mackenzie married a deaf woman and moved to Cambridge. The couple made some deaf friends who would visit their home, and they soon realised that Deaf People needed a close-knit community of their own. George then went to his church and asked for a place where Deaf People could gather and socialise.
In 1912 the Diocese of Ely appointed George Mackenzie as the first Missioner for the Deaf in Cambridgeshire. As a result of Mr Mackenzie’s work, the Deaf Community grew and ‘The Isle of Ely and Cambridgeshire Association for The Deaf and Dumb’ opened on 16th June 1927 at Hope Hall on Romsey Terrace in Cambridge (our main office to this day).
CDA has grown according to the needs of the Deaf Community and now has offices in Huntingdon and Peterborough too. With presences and regular events across the county, CDA is easily accessible to everyone. Today CDA is the go-to place, and the lead organisation, for people with deafness and hearing loss in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Trusted and Corporate Partners

Here is a list of our supporters and corporate partners

CDA relies on the funds of trusts and corporate partners to provide our services. Without their help we would not be able to provide many of our services, such as the new volunteer program and our BSL at home courses.

We would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of our funders. We are able to do more because of you!