Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week – Voices from Our BSL Community
Real voices, real journeys — discover how learning BSL transforms confidence, connection, and community.
Deaf Awareness Week is a time to reflect, learn and celebrate British Sign Language (BSL) and the Deaf community. At Havering Adult College, it is also a time to listen to the voices of our learners and tutors, whose journeys show just how powerful learning BSL can be.
For many, starting a BSL course begins with nerves and uncertainty. For others, it begins with love, family, or a desire to be more inclusive. What connects every story is connection – to people, to community, and to opportunity.
Learning for Love, Legacy and Community
Grace began her BSL journey as a tribute to her late mum. Starting with Level 1 and continuing on to Level 2, Grace describes how initially nervous she felt – and how vital tutor support was in helping her grow in confidence.
That confidence now reaches far beyond the classroom. Grace has attended Deaf meets, supported Deaf runners, and now signs an introduction at the Harold Lodge Park Run every Saturday.
“The Deaf community is a wonderful thing to be part of, and I feel honoured to be part of it.”
Her story shows how learning BSL can turn compassion into action.
Giving Children Choice
For Jodie and her family, BSL is about choice and belonging. Her five-year-old son is Deaf and has cochlear implants, but Jodie and her partner made a conscious decision to learn BSL so that he has access to Deaf culture and communication with Deaf peers.
“Less than 10% of hearing parents learn sign for their deaf child – and we feel that’s a real shame.”
Jodie hopes to use her BSL in the future, recognising a real skills gap and encouraging others to take that first step into learning this beautiful language.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Many learners talk about wishing they had started sooner – but also discovering that the right time is now.
Mary describes her journey from no BSL knowledge to nearly completing Level 2 as “highly rewarding”, while Shivapali proudly reflects on studying Level 2 in their 50s: “This journey is about more than learning a new language – it is about inclusion, connection, and support.”
These stories challenge the idea that learning BSL is only for certain people or professions.
Teaching That Makes a Difference
Tutor Ceiri captures the heart of Deaf Awareness Week:
“It is valuable for hearing people to know what barriers Deaf people face in society – things that are typically taken for granted. Communication is one of these.”
Watching learners grow from knowing nothing to becoming confident signers is, as Ceiri explains, both humbling and inspiring.
A Week – and a Message – That Lasts All Year
Deaf Awareness Week is not just about celebration; it is an invitation. An invitation to listen, to learn, and to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Whether you are learning for family, work, personal growth, or community, British Sign Language opens doors – and brings people closer together.
If you are interested in learning British Sign Language, we will have both Level 1 and Level 2 courses starting in September. Be sure to call us on 01708 434955 to register your interest, or keep an eye on our website for when the pre-course interviews become available.
