Opportunity to add 'learn sign language' to your New Year's Resolution list

Manx Deaf Society offers beginner and intermediate courses

The Manx Deaf Society is launching a range of British Sign Language (BSL) courses in the new year.

The group says they will 'provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to explore the rich world of sign language, enhancing communication skills and promoting inclusivity'.

The three courses on offer are 'Introduction to BSL', 'Level 1 BSL' and 'Level 2 BSL'.

For complete beginners, the Introduction course offers five sessions, each of which is three hours long. These sessions are taught by Chief Executive Lucy Buxton at The Manx Deaf Society in Douglas.

Beginners are also welcome to apply to join the Level 1 BSL course. On successfully passing three assessments learners will receive a certificate from Signature. 

These sessions are taught by Ayesha Gavin of Ayesha Communications. Most sessions are online on Tuesday evenings, but there are two weekends of face-to-face sessions at The Manx Deaf Society.

Elsewhere, the Level 2 course is suitable for someone who has already passed their Level 1 or who uses BSL as part of their daily life. 

This course is taught over 10 weekends, most of which are online but again there are two face-to-face weekends of teaching and assessment at The Manx Deaf Society.

The costs for each course are £75 for the Introduction course, £200 for the Level 1 course and £240 for the Level 2 course.

Lucy Buxton is the Chief Executive Officer of The Manx Deaf Society.

She says the courses are designed to appeal to everyone, including complete beginners:

For further information about the courses or to request an application form, email lucy.buxton@manxdeafsociety.org.im