This year MDC worked with Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES) to deliver a programme of free Introduction to BSL courses. Aimed at beginner level, the courses have improved access to BSL lessons for people who have a connection to deafness themselves, for example hearing people who have a deaf family member, or deaf people who have never had opportunity to learn BSL in the past.
Over 120 people have attended the courses and 64% gave their reason for wanting to learn as being deaf themselves or having a deaf family member or close friend. 35% also gave a reason for learning as needing BSL at work or wanting to learn BSL to make their workplace more accessible.
Feedback from learners has been wonderful. Parents have described being better able to communicate with their deaf children. Other students have told us about being able to communicate at work with colleagues or customers who use BSL.
Thank you to MAES for providing this opportunity for free learning. All courses on our 2023–2024 MAES-funded programme have now been advertised. We do hope to be able to deliver more free courses via MAES in the future and are waiting for funding decisions for 2024–2025.
6-week Family Friendly BSL course
In the meantime, via our Children and Young People’s Service, we will be offering a 6-week Family Friendly BSL course in the school summer holidays.
