Being deaf has helped me be a better surveyor

The construction industry has always been seen as tough, gritty and traditionally male-dominated. Just 9.3% of the 2.4 million workers in construction identify as having a disability, while only 13% are female. But times are changing, and I have had the privilege of being part of this transformation. As a deaf woman in this field, my perspective is unique and shows how inclusion can take root when people are willing to learn and grow.

My journey started with a sixth-form work experience placement at Nottingham City Council. I was drawn in by the variety and camaraderie of the surveying and maintenance tasks. It was not long before I knew this was the career for me, which led me to pursue a building surveying degree at Wolverhampton University.

Fast forward nearly 25 years, and I am still here – having faced both challenges and rewards as a minority in the field. When I began at Birmingham City Council, there were only three female surveyors within my department. Now, at Acivico, that number has grown considerably. But, while progress is undeniable, there is still more to do, especially in changing perceptions around disabilities such as mine.

My parents raised me to believe that anything is possible, and being deaf has never stopped me from pursuing my goals

In the UK, more than 18 million adults are deaf or have hearing loss. Employment for those with hearing loss stands at 65% versus 79% for those without. What is more, hearing loss costs the UK economy £25bn a year in lost productivity and unemployment. These figures underline the need for better support systems and a shift in attitudes.

My parents raised me to believe that anything is possible, and being deaf has never stopped me from pursuing my goals. But communication can be challenging. Project success depends on seamless collaboration. As someone who relies on lip-reading, I have faced obstacles – especially since it is not always easy to lip-read every individual. I have learnt to lean on one-on-one communication and be transparent about my needs. 

Early on, I remember missing out on conversations because no one realised I hadn’t heard them. It was not until I spoke openly about my deafness that things changed. My colleagues began making sure I was included, and the difference this made in building relationships was huge.

Despite the challenges, I genuinely love this industry. The people, the projects, the opportunities to learn – each day is different, with fresh hurdles to overcome. It’s dynamic, exciting and fulfilling.

Moving forward, I want to see the industry become more appealing to the next generation. There is so much potential for growth, but we need to work harder at being inclusive – not just looking at gender or background, but truly valuing people’s skills.

Even basic training can make a difference in creating a workplace that truly supports participation

The stereotype of construction as a “man’s game” still lingers, and that needs to change. Companies must commit to diversity and inclusion throughout an employee’s journey – from recruitment to career development. We need to foster cultures where everyone can thrive and where learning and development are prioritised to retain diverse talent.

Education is the cornerstone of this change. Many people are not aware of the challenges faced by those with disabilities, but even basic training can make a difference in creating a workplace that truly supports participation.

Creating an inclusive culture is not just about ticking boxes – it’s about changing hearts and minds. Empathy is powerful. When colleagues and stakeholders understand the challenges that individuals with disabilities face, they are empowered to make meaningful changes.

It is not enough for companies to do what’s required by law to support employees. We need to highlight the unique benefits these individuals bring. For someone like me, being deaf means I have developed a heightened sense of safety awareness, strong problem-solving skills and acute attention to detail – all valuable traits in construction, particularly in quality control and safety inspections.

Workplace education should start with awareness. Simple adjustments, like practical exercises to simulate hearing or sight loss, can help colleagues understand the barriers others face. These exercises can inspire tailored solutions – whether that means always facing a person while speaking, ensuring good lighting during meetings, or using visual and communication tools, such as British Sign Language interpreting.

Many challenges facing the industry could be solved by better representation of women and minority groups

Accessibility goes beyond the physical workspace. Conducting accessibility audits and inclusive design workshops is key to making workplaces safe and welcoming for all. Practical steps like voice-to-text software, screen readers, and video conferencing tools with captions are now commonplace and make a huge difference for employees with disabilities. Ensuring that team members know how to use these tools effectively creates a more inclusive workplace.

Social exclusion has been one of my toughest challenges and staying connected to informal office interactions can make a big difference. Sometimes it’s the small things – like reminding colleagues to consider different communication needs – that make the workplace truly inclusive.

With the right support, employee satisfaction, productivity, efficiency, and retention all improve. There’s no quick fix, but many challenges facing the industry could be solved by better representation of women and minority groups. Encouraging a diverse range of people to pursue STEM subjects will also help bring new voices into the industry.

To anyone considering a career in construction, my advice is simple: be yourself, stay curious, and be open to learning. Collaborate with your team, strive to do your best, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The industry is filled with people who understand the challenges, and we are committed to making it easier for those who follow. By focusing on empathy, education and empowerment, we can build not just better buildings, but a better industry for everyone.

Helen Booker-Hunt is a building control surveyor at Acivico Group