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Blaenau Gwent’s Social Services Sensory Team hosted a Deaf British Sign Language event with exhibitions and presentations aimed at raising awareness about Deaf Culture and British Sign Language.
BSL interpreters were present throughout the day, giving deaf and hearing people the opportunity to communicate, learn about each other and ask questions.
Sign of the times
08 May 2008
Blaenau Gwent’s Social Services Sensory Team hosted a Deaf British Sign Language event with exhibitions and presentations aimed at raising awareness about Deaf Culture and British Sign Language.
BSL interpreters were present throughout the day, giving deaf and hearing people the opportunity to communicate, learn about each other and ask questions.
The event, funded by the Access for All Forum, took place on the16th of April in the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery and was a huge success with over 200 people attending throughout the day. Also over twenty-five organisations from across the UK came to exhibit; from the Fire Service to schools and universities, ensuring that a variety of information was available - covering various aspects of life.
In addition to the exhibitors, presentations were given by a number of Deaf and hearing people. Workshops, run by Deaf people, focused on BSL taster sessions and Deaf experiences.
Mr Phil Hodgson, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Corporate Director of Community Services opened the event:
“It is important to ensure that Culturally Deaf British Sign Language users, as members of a linguistic minority, are not discriminated against. The event provided an opportunity to debate, learn and ask questions about issues facing Deaf British Sign Language Users, the day was very successful and the Council looks forward to further working with the Deaf Community and Voluntary organisations to make improvements, achieve equality and ensure that Blaenau Gwent is a better place to live and work for the local Deaf Community”
Gill Pollock, Business Manager Coleg Gwent said:
“This has been an excellent event, it has been very informative and I have made many good contacts”
Also the following comments were made to staff of the Council on the day:
“This is the most that we (deaf people) have ever been involved”
“Really impressed with the event, Blaenau Gwent 's sensory team is far in front of the other teams in South Wales”.
If you would like any more information on this event or on hearing impairment please contact Suki Wescott on 01495 357772
