Lipreading Awareness Week 2026

📅 7th - 11th September 2026

Lipreading Awareness Week is a national campaign that celebrates and promotes the benefits of learning to lipread and raises awareness about how it can support people with any type of hearing loss in everyday life.  

What is Lipreading?

Lipreading is the skill of recognising the shapes, patterns and movements of the lips, face, and tongue when someone is speaking. Many people naturally use lipreading without realising, but with regular practice and lipreading classes you can build confidence and make conversations easier to follow—whether at home, in social settings, or at work.

Why Do We Have Lipreading Awareness Week?

• To highlight that lipreading is a learned skill—anyone can improve with practice.

• To encourage people to join a lipreading class.

• To bring attention to the support available across the UK, including  both face-to-face and online lipreading courses.

• To share hearing loss tips & tricks for making everyday conversations more accessible.

• Learn more about Lipreading Awareness Week.
  
  

What Happens During Lipreading Awareness Week?

• Many tutors and adult education centres offer free or reduced-cost taster sessions.

• Charities and local groups share videos, stories, and tips about lipreading on their social media channels.

• It’s a chance to connect with others who are learning, or thinking of learning.

How Can I Get Involved?

• Contact us to find out about our upcoming lipreading courses.

• If you prefer face-to-face, visit the ATLA website to find a qualified tutor with a face-to-face class in your area.

• Explore resources from Hearing Link for more information on hearing loss and support.

• Share the week with friends, family, or colleagues so they understand the value of lipreading.

A Message for New Learners

Lipreading can feel daunting at first, but it is taught in a step-by-step way so that everyone is included. Classes are supportive, relaxed, and designed to build confidence gradually. There are different levels of lipreading classes which include: beginners lipreading classes, beginners continuation classes, mixed ability lipreading classes and advanced lipreading classes.

Many learners say the best part about learning to lipreading is meeting others who understand what living with hearing loss is like.

Lipreading Awareness Week is the perfect time to give it a try. Contact us to find out more.