Following her appearance as the initial hearing-impaired participant on Love Island, model Tasha Ghouri encouraged individuals to acquire sign language skills. She noted that many people often struggle to communicate with the deaf and hearing-impaired due to a lack of knowledge on how to do so, leading to discomfort.
The government of England is introducing the first ever GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) in an effort to promote inclusivity in schools and provide practical life skills for young people. This change could greatly impact the younger generation.
New students will not be able to begin studying for a GSCE in BSL, which includes the history of the language in the UK, until September 2025. The exam board syllabuses are anticipated to be approved by this time.
After over ten years of advocacy, supported by public figures like Ghouri, who was born deaf and uses a cochlear implant in her right ear, and Rose Ayling-Ellis, an actress on stage and TV who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, this achievement has been reached.
Ayling-Ellis, most recognized for her portrayal of Frankie Lewis on the popular TV show EastEnders, revealed that she has faced numerous challenges due to her deafness. She is advocating for sign language classes to be accessible at no cost for individuals who require them, expressing disappointment that parents and guardians have to pay to learn how to communicate with their deaf children.
A 12-year-old deaf activist, Daniel Jillings, was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of BSL as a GCSE subject. In 2018, he launched a crowd justice campaign, stating that it is unfair for deaf children to be denied the opportunity to take a GCSE in their first language, BSL, while also preparing for other exams.
Jillings and other activists have put in a tremendous effort to introduce British Sign Language into schools, according to Susan Daniels, CEO of the National Deaf Children’s Society. She believes that having a GCSE in BSL is crucial in breaking down barriers and honoring the vibrant culture and heritage of this language.
Providing schools with the necessary tools to educate in British Sign Language may pose a difficulty. Signature, the top organization for certifying deaf communication and language qualifications in the UK, currently has around 1,220 registered teachers. However, they are unsure of the specific qualification level needed to teach GSCE courses. England has approximately 3,500 secondary schools.
Matthew Ford, a representative for Signature, stated that although there are numerous obstacles to face, the entire team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the GCSE in BSL.
The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton, expressed appreciation for the efforts towards promoting inclusivity in schools. However, he also noted that the government needs to acknowledge the challenges faced by schools in terms of staffing, finances, and time, and urged for increased investment.
According to Keegan, acquiring knowledge of sign language can aid students in developing their abilities to express themselves and negotiate through visual spatial language, as well as improving their communication and visual memory skills. These skills will be beneficial for them in the long run. She also mentioned that learning British Sign Language can provide numerous opportunities for young individuals, as it allows them to gain an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and can potentially expand their job opportunities.
Approximately 12 million adults in the United Kingdom have a hearing impairment. The National Deaf Children’s Society reports that there are around 151,000 individuals in the UK who can communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), and for approximately 87,000 deaf individuals, BSL is their primary or preferred language. A recent survey conducted by the organization revealed that over 90% of deaf and hearing young people expressed a desire for BSL to be taught in schools.
Ghouri stated that the classes will be enjoyable because it is a beautiful language to learn.
Source: theguardian.com
