Sign language classes a 'gift' for deaf children

A group of children have learned sign language to allow them to communicate with family and friends thanks to a £10,000 grant from the National Deaf Children's Society.

The youngsters in Worcester passed their level one British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications, meaning they can now communicate on everyday topics.

Maria Craze, co-chair of the Worcester branch of the charity, said: "By being able to access this funding, we feel that we've offered such a special gift to these families."

Reuben, 8, said he wanted to learn the skill for his brother, who is deaf: "At the start I didn't know what sign language was, and now I know what it is and I can do some signs to help him."

Craze said the funding meant the charity could put on courses for adults, care givers, local teachers and children aged between seven and 17.

"It's so expensive to learn BSL, and as a parent of a deaf child, when our child was diagnosed with being deaf, we weren't offered any BSL support," she said.

"In fact, we were told really to focus on speech and speech was the way forward for our daughter.

"But actually BSL is such a rich language. It's so important to our deaf children and all deaf children and families of deaf children should have access to their natural language."

BSL tutor William Stavert taught the adult classes, but said it was equally vital for youngsters to learn the language.

He said: "It's important that they can be able to take their hearing aids off and still be able to communicate without them."

He recalled being in education as a deaf child in the 1960s and 70s as "an awful experience".

"Sign language was actually banned," he said. "You weren't allowed to sign at all, it was all oral."

Penelope, 8, who is hearing impaired, said she felt "grateful" to have completed the beginner-level course, which had helped her converse with her sister and parents.

"I feel really happy. We do signing in my family," she said.

Craze added: "Not only is it great that they've had access to language, but it's actually helped to improve their family's life, it's helped them to create better friendships with their deaf peers."

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