Leap into Sign Language workshops: The benefits for you and your students

January 29, 2010

There are 9 million people in the UK who are deaf or hearing impaired - that’s 15% of the entire population. For around 70,000 profoundly deaf people British Sign Language (BSL) is their first language and opens the door for fluent communication and equal access to the world around them. The only problem is that too few hearing people know how to communicate with it. BSL was recognised by the government as a language in its own right in 2003 and it has been proposed that it should be included in the curriculum alongside other modern foreign languages.

What are the benefits of introducing your students to BSL and learning some signs?

*Raising awareness, inclusion and understanding of the deaf community and BSL

*It is an expressive and beautiful language - great for improving presentation and communication skills

*Future career opportunities - there is currently a shortage of BSL interpreters in the UK

*Children might have deaf friends, family members or future work colleagues

*Supports many education initiatives such as Every Child Matters, citizenship and SEAL initiatives

From April 2010, we are excited to offer Leap into Sign Language to schools and other venues throughout London and the South East, presented as highly interactive small group workshops or to larger groups using storytelling techniques. Our specialist BSL facilitator will combine storytelling, poetry, songs and games with learning some basic BSL signs in this highly visual and expressive language. The fun activities will heighten your students’ awareness and improve their communication skills.

Call us on 0844 800 2870 or email us for further information.

Categories: Freshwater Theatre Company News

Posted by: Freshwater Theatre Company @ 10:54 am