About the event
This beginner-friendly workshop introduces you to British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf culture. You’ll learn key signs for greetings, introductions, numbers, colours and everyday topics, plus basics like fingerspelling. Through interactive activities, you’ll practise simple signed conversations and build confidence communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. No prior experience is needed – just a willingness to try something new and a device with a working camera and microphone. You will need to keep your camera on throughout the session, as you will be learning through watching and practising and communicating using visual and facial gestures.
By attending, you’ll not only gain the ability to connect with members of the Deaf community, but also the following skills, behaviour and knowledge for your future career:
- Skills: Basic receptive and expressive BSL (greetings, introductions, everyday vocabulary); fingerspelling; using eye contact and visual attention.
- Knowledge: Overview of Deaf culture and community; basic BSL structure; common communication barriers for Deaf people.
- Behaviours: More confident, respectful interactions with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people; willingness to try signed communication; increased awareness of accessibility needs.
You can continue to build your signing abilities by attending our BSL Club: a 4-week informal Phoenix+ Experience, perfect for fitting regular BSL practice into your studies.