More than 14000 people are now learning British Sign Language (BSL) via Doncaster’s Deaf Trust’s free online level one course.
The online course, launched at the end of March, was developed thanks to National Lottery Funding and has seen thousands sign up to take part to learn Level One BSL.
Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to have seen such a positive response to our free resource, enabling people to learn a new skill.
“Sign Language is a great communication tool for people to learn and we know that there are many campaigns to have British Sign Language taught in schools.
“This course will teach families, young people and business people the basics of communicating using sign.”
The course covers basic signs including greetings, numbers, addressing people, travel and transport and hobbies.
Ten organisations in Doncaster have pledged to get their staff signing as part of Doncaster Deaf Trust’s mission to encourage more people to learn to sign.
Teams from Business Doncaster, CAST, Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, Club Doncaster, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Ellgia Waste Management and Recycling Limited, Hilton Garden Inn , Lakeside Village Shopping Outlet, Orb Recruitment and Venatu Recruitment have joined the online learning.
Alexis added: “It is great to see the progress that some of our Super 10 businesses are making and we are looking forward to seeing more videos of them signing in 2021.
“It is simple to sign up and you can run through the course at your own pace, doing a little each day and practicing as often as you can.
“Huge thanks to Natalie Pollard who is the course designer and one of the signers, Mike Beslin, the eLearning course producer from the Trust and our signers who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. Without the Lottery Funding this would not have been possible, so a big thank you goes out to them too.
“We are looking forward to seeing lots of people sign up to the course and develop a new skill that will help them to communicate with the Deaf community.
“Anyone wanting to share videos or photos of them practicing their new skills should tag Doncaster Deaf Trust Facebook page in their posts.”
To sign up to the free course visit www.doncasterdeafsign.org.uk