Deaf Community Without Borders (D.U.G.) (Swedish: Dövgemenskap Utan Gränser) was a national social inclusion project led by the Swedish National Association of the Deaf Youth (SDUF) and funded by the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society (MUCF). Saved By The Sign was contracted over a 12 month IN 2025, period to design, develop and deliver the project, which sought to increase awareness and understanding of Afrophobia, Islamophobia and LGBTQIA+ discrimination within Deaf communities. Through accessible, sign language based education and dialogue, the project created opportunities for young Deaf and hard of hearing people to engage with issues of identity, inclusion and belonging.

The project combined education, community engagement and resource development to encourage reflection and conversation around prejudice and inequality within Deaf spaces. A video based knowledge hub was developed in Swedish Sign Language, featuring explanations of key concepts related to identity, discrimination and social justice. Workshops and presentations were delivered through Deaf youth organisations, schools, community events and public institutions across Sweden, reaching Deaf communities in multiple regions of the country.

By creating accessible resources and fostering meaningful dialogue, D.U.G. contributed to greater awareness and understanding of diversity within Deaf communities. The project strengthened participants’ confidence to discuss complex social issues, encouraged critical reflection and supported ongoing efforts to build more inclusive, equitable and welcoming Deaf spaces.