Ipswich high school students learn British Sign Language

The British Deaf Association aims to see BSL used much more widely throughout society, by both deaf and hearing children.

Chief executive Rebecca Mansell said: “The whole of the BSL community are very excited that at long last our language is gaining credibility and visibility.”

She added that BSL was a “dynamic, visual language” that “delights students”, and “deaf teachers must be at the centre of this picture”.

“It is now crucial that our education system shows its understanding of the deaf community and BSL by ensuring that deaf experts are leading this policy,” she said.

“Our richly complex language must be taught by teachers who sign fluently and can present knowledge about deaf lives from a basis of credible experience.”