Learn British Sign Language
We provide free sign language courses for families of deaf children. From Family Sign Language courses to Baby Sign sessions, find out about our upcoming online courses below.
Our curriculum is based on British Sign Language (BSL) but focuses on signs that families with young children will use regularly at home. To make sure you get to learn signs local to where you live in the UK, we set up breakout rooms at our online sessions for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Family Sign Language: Summer Special
Who's it for
This free online session is for families with a deaf child 0 to 5 years old.
What you'll learn
Join this fun and relaxed session to learn lots of signs related to summer holidays. Whether you are new to signing, want to practise your skills or learn some additional signs, our experienced tutors will be there to support you.
When and where
- Wednesday 12 June 2024, 6pm to 7pm
- Online via Zoom
Family Sign Language 1: Introductory course September
Who's it for
At our free online group course, families of deaf children aged 0 to 5 years old can come together and learn useful everyday signs alongside other families. The course is suitable for those who have little or no previous experience of sign language. Up to six family members can join, so you can invite siblings, grandparents or other relatives.
What you'll learn
To help you develop communication within the home, you’ll learn signs that you can incorporate into your daily routines. Our experienced deaf tutors will cover a range of topics, including fingerspelling, family, food and drink, emotions, and lots more.
When and where
- Every Thursday for six consecutive weeks
- Starts 19 September 2024, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
- Online via Zoom
After the course
If you complete four or more sessions, you can join our follow-on course,
Family Sign Language 2: Next Steps. We also host special one-off sessions that you and your family can join to practise and develop your skills and vocabulary.
Happy Hands: Baby Sign Online Sessions
Our baby sign sessions for 0 to 4 year olds are designed to boost your deaf child’s communication development in their early years.
At these interactive online sessions, you and your little one will have fun while singing well-known songs and nursery rhymes and reading some of your favourite stories. We’ll be using lots of toys, teddies and colour to grab your child’s attention and engage them through the screen.
Although Happy Hands is not a British Sign Language course, it’s a relaxed and fun way to learn some everyday signs that you can use at home with your child.
New sessions available!
