Words by Smiley Team
Doncaster Deaf Trust has launched a free online British Sign Language (BSL) course which, thanks to National Lottery Funding, will enable users to learn Level One BSL from their own homes whilst the pandemic is ongoing.
The Trust, which is a registered charity based in Doncaster, England traces its history back to 1829 when William Car Fenton set up a school to ensure that deaf young people could receive an education.
In a statement from the organisation, Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this free resource for people during this time. Our team has been working hard to develop the online course and have brought the launch forward so that people who are at home can access the course and learn a new skill.’
According to Action On Hearing Loss,There are 12 million people within the UK with different levels of hearing loss and it is estimated that 24,000 people within the UK use BSL as their main language. The course has been devised so that everyone can use it to learn the basics - from schoolchildren to business people.
Deaf people are more likely to face isolation and experience higher levels of poor mental health which may be further exacerbated by the current pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, the need for people to know sign language is particularly important. Alexis says that ‘Government measures regarding social distancing and isolation will mean that some deaf people will need help and assistance and basic sign language knowledge will help massively in making them feel reassured.”
The course covers the basics including greetings, numbers and addressing people, travel, transport and hobbies. Over the next few weeks, more and more sections will be added so people can increase their knowledge even further. The platform enables people to learn at their own pace, repeat things as often as they need, watch videos and revise using flashcard techniques.
‘We are looking forward to seeing lots of people sign up to the course and develop a new skill that will help them to communicate with the deaf community.’
‘Anyone wanting to share videos or photos of them practicing their new skills should tag Doncaster Deaf Trust Facebook page in their posts,’ added Alexis.
By Ellen Jones
