World Wide Deaf Gym launches to break down barriers

David Edgington, of Clayton, has been deaf since birth and wears a digital (AI) hearing aid.

In light of his own struggles to find a job as a personal trainer, the 37-year-old has launched World Wide Deaf Gym.

David strives for "bridging the gap between the fitness industry and the deaf community".

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "The long-term goal is to reach out globally all over the world to connect 200,000 gyms, transforming them into deaf-friendly spaces, and providing equal opportunity of access to 2.5 billion deaf and hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and deaf disabled people.

He added: "As a member of the deaf community myself, my commitment to serving its needs is unwavering.

"My passion for this cause stems from a desire to alleviate the pervasive challenges faced by the deaf community and to foster greater inclusion and understanding within society as a whole."

World Wide Deaf Gym offers a range of services (Image: Newsquest)His encouragement to start the business originated from the difficulty of finding work once he was a fully qualified personal trainer in 2012.

He said: "I immediately applied for gym work but found myself in a very difficult situation because most fitness centres would not hire me, and for over six years I was forced to work all odd jobs until Xercise4Less in Bradford offered me employment.

"I observed and recognised many elements of the problems to deaf community accessibility in the fitness landscape; most hearing PTs and other employees cannot communicate or train with Deaf gym goers.

"So, I set up a Facebook group and began to realise many Deaf people found it extremely helpful to learn tips through sign language videos."

World Wide Deaf Gym offers a range of services such as consultancy where David meets with a gym to address its accessibility concerns.

After inspecting the facility, he puts together a well-structured strategy plan to bring more members in.

Deaf awareness and British Sign Language training are also provided to ensure all staff are able to communicate with deaf individuals.

The company then makes a video informing the community that the gym is deaf-friendly.

David added: "Worldwide Deaf Gym will create thousands of jobs, to grow more Deaf personal trainers and other fitness professional careers.

"There are just 47 qualified Deaf PTs currently in the UK, which is an extremely big gap compared to hearing PTs.

"This is where I am specialised and expert to solve the biggest fitness barrier challenge today."