Idea: Classes in British Sign Language

 
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  • Created on: 11 Dec 2007
  • Idea status: Just a thought
  • Town: Bath
 

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What it's all about

I would like to organise an introductory level course in British Sign Language at the University of Bath.

For the past few years I've been involved with the Disabled Students group at Bath, which exists to promote disability awareness and inclusion, and every year at least a dozen people have asked me where they can learn BSL. I haven't managed to find any courses in the area that are easy to get to on a bus, cheap enough, and at a convenient time for students, so I would like to get a tutor out to the university to run a course that wouldn't clash with exams or the summer break. Over 30 people have already signed up to say they're interested in taking the course, and I think this would be a great way to increase awareness of Deaf issues and disability rights in general, as well as giving students the opportunity to learn a new language and get a qualification in it.

The course would be 6 weeks of 2 hour sessions during the spring term, for a class of 20-30 people depending on interest and how many people our tutor is happy to teach at once.

What's needed to make it a reality

12 hours teaching time @ £30 per hour: £360
One off fee to register the course with the Centre for Advancing Communication between Deaf and hearing People: £20
Charge for assessment in BSL level 1: £10 per person, for 20-30 people

Total: £580-680

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Comments

  • Avatar wil 23:17, 11 December 2007 Good on you
  • Avatar 13:57, 12 December 2007 Hi Charlotte, this sounds lile a really great idea and definitely something that the university needs! As you're a student at Bath you can apply for up to £750 for the project. I've emailed you so we can meet up for a chat about the project and where to go from here.
    Thanks Sabrina
  • Avatar zw!tch 18:23, 27 December 2007 We had someone come into school and teach us a little sign language when I was younger - not only is it useful but learning it is fun! www.britishsignlanguage.com

    Let us know how you go!
  • Avatar eldritchboulevard 20:23, 01 July 2008 I work at the University of Bath, and am deaf also. A few years ago, I helped to run a Deaf Awareness course there with a former Social Work student. I still have all my course materials with a view to running this course again. Maybe we could meet up and discuss this together?

    Kind regards,

    Rachael Eldritch-Boersen.
  • Avatar Ivelina Stoyanova 11:20, 20 October 2008 I am from Bulgaria and I am a Bulgarian Sign Language (BSL ;) interpreter. I have lived in Bath for 4 years and now I study at the University of Bath. I am really keen on the idea to learn some BSL, possibly meet some deaf people and I can also offer some help with organisation, etc., if needed.

    A Deaf awareness course / event is also something I would attend.

    As it's been a long time since you posted your idea, I hope it is being started and I am not too late. Please, let me know.

    Best regards,
    Ivelina
  • Avatar Sarah Corrigan 15:05, 20 October 2008 Hi Charlotte,

    If you're still interested in setting this project up, let us know if you need any help or support in turning it into reality. As you're a student at Bath University you can access up to £750 to turn your idea into reality.

    Rachael and Ivelina if you fancy getting involved with setting up this project, let us know if we can help out in any way, we will more than happy to.

    Sarah
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