What has been done? What has changed? And what benefits are there for deaf people?

Six months ago, Ralf Raul was elected as the new chairman of the German Federation of the Deaf (DGB). Since then, he has published a weekly review on social media every Friday, regularly reporting on the activities at the DGB.

Many deaf people are now asking:

• What has the DGB really accomplished in these six months?
• Have there been any improvements or solutions to major issues?
• Do the weekly updates actually provide any tangible benefits?

What has been done so far?

According to the weekly reviews, the DGB has implemented several internal changes under Ralf Raul’s leadership:

• The office has been organized and restructured.
• Responsibilities have been redistributed to ensure clear task assignments.
• Important documents have been digitized.
• Several meetings have been held with staff.
• Many employees are currently working remotely.

These measures indicate that structural improvements are being made behind the scenes — focusing mainly on organization and administration.

But what does this mean for deaf people in Germany?

That remains the key question.

What do deaf people expect?

Many deaf people are hoping for concrete improvements in everyday life, such as:

• More and better sign language interpreters
• More sign language teachers, including hearing ones
• Better accessibility at government offices, medical practices, and events
• Stronger rights to self-determination when choosing interpreters
• Faster support when dealing with schools, youth welfare offices, or workplace issues

However, it remains unclear whether the DGB has actively addressed these concerns or implemented solutions.

So far, the reports have mainly focused on internal developments, with few tangible results for the deaf community.

Are the weekly reviews really useful?

The idea of regularly reporting on the association’s work is, in principle, a good one. It promotes transparency and gives insight into the DGB’s activities.

But:
Many deaf people are looking for more than just updates — they want real progress.

If the weekly posts focus only on administrative topics without reflecting improvements in the daily lives of deaf people, frustration can grow. Some people are asking:

• Why do we get weekly updates if nothing is changing for us?
• Why aren’t there reports on important outcomes?
• Is community feedback or criticism being taken seriously?

Conclusion: Waiting for results – Hoping for active advocacy

After six months in office, one thing is clear:
The new chairman and his team have focused mainly on internal cleanup. This was a necessary step — but it’s only the beginning.

What matters now:
The DGB must turn its attention to the concrete needs of deaf people in Germany. The community is waiting for action — not just words.

The deaf community needs:

• Clear positions in politics
• Public statements in response to major issues
• Active involvement in solving problems with accessibility, interpreter shortages, and discrimination

Only through visible, real-world action can the DGB build trust — and make its weekly reviews truly meaningful.