Learning British Sign Language A guide for families with young deaf children in England on the support and options available to help them learn BSL

Transcription

1 Learning British Sign Language A guide for families with young deaf children in England on the support and options available to help them learn BSL Funded by

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3 Introduction This booklet has been produced as part of a two-year project, I-Sign, funded by the Department for Education to improve access to British Sign Language (BSL) learning and provision for deaf children and their families. The project was delivered by a group of organisations including Action on Hearing Loss, British Deaf Association, Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education, the National Deaf Children s Society, Signature and University of Central Lancashire. In 2013 we collected information about access to BSL learning from local authorities across England, parents of deaf children and BSL qualification providers in order to build up a national picture of what s on offer. The information within this guide will show you the different ways in which you can learn BSL, the support offered by many local authorities and some of the issues that you might face. In September 2014, changes in special educational needs provision (SEN) came into force. This guide will provide information on how the changes could improve access to opportunities to learn BSL. 3

4 Why do families learn British Sign Language (BSL)? Even when their children are not deaf, families may choose to introduce sign language early to support language and speech development. Hand-eye coordination develops earlier than speech skills and babies are able to use simple signs such as milk, eat, sleep, nappy and teddy, before they are able to say these words. There is no one communication approach that works best for all deaf children and all families. Sometimes, different approaches work well at different times for the same child and family. Language learning begins from birth and there is a strong link between positive outcomes later in life and early language acquisition. Developing good communication skills is the key to acquiring language and to emotional, personal and social development. Sign language and speech Most children will be fitted with hearing aids or cochlear implants soon after they are identified as deaf, giving them the opportunity to develop spoken language. However, using British Sign Language can aid and complement the comprehension of speech and can also be particularly useful at times when a deaf child is not using hearing aids or cochlear implants such as: before their hearing aids or cochlear implants are fitted whilst establishing consistent use of them in the early years (for example, younger children may take their hearing aids out to begin with) at times when their equipment is not used such as bedtime, bathtime and when swimming. 4

5 For some deaf children it may be natural to stop using sign language as their spoken language develops. However, for many deaf children sign language remains their primary means of communicating, or retains an important role in their lives. A common concern about using sign language is that it will delay or prevent speech development. There is no evidence that shows this is the case provided that a rich spoken language environment is still available for the child. 5

6 Differing approaches to communication Two main approaches to signing as a form of communication with deaf people are commonly used: 1. Sign bilingualism using BSL and spoken/written language 2. Total Communication and Sign Supported English Sign bilingualism BSL has a different grammar and structure to English and when learning there is often a positive emphasis on developing a greater understanding of and being part of Deaf culture. Some parents take a sign bilingual approach, using both BSL and English (and/or another spoken/written language). It is estimated that parents who choose to take a bilingual approach for their child need to learn approximately 1,000 signs a year during the early years so that they can support their child to achieve language development milestones. To read more about this approach visit Total Communication and Sign Supported English Others take a Total Communication approach which involves using a range of communication methods at the same time, including signs, speech, gestures and pointing to objects of reference. With Total Communication the signing tends to be Sign Supported English (SSE). This is not a language in its own right like BSL but instead involves using BSL signs to support speech and aid understanding. It could also involve signing without speech but in English word order. The amount of signing used will vary depending on how wide your signing vocabulary is and how fluent you are. For more information about communicating with a child in their early years read the National Deaf Children s Society s publication, Communicating with your Deaf Child, downloadable from 6

7 How do I learn BSL? Like any spoken language such as French or Spanish, it can take years of learning to be able to use BSL fluently. The table below summarises the different levels of BSL that exist. An overview of the different ways of learning BSL and how they link together Level Informal learning Qualifications (non-accredited) Accredited qualifications Informal Deaf club or signing group Entry 1,2 and 3 Introduction to BSL/Family Sign Language NVQ 1/GCSE D-G BSL Level 1 NVQ 2/GCSE A*-C BSL Level 2 NVQ 3/A level BSL Level 3 Certificate of BSL Level 4 Higher Education HNC/NVQ4 Intermediate HNC HND/Foundation Degree Honours degree BSL Level 6 7

8 If you do choose to learn BSL, there are many different providers of accredited courses local colleges, private businesses, charities or voluntary groups. Most accredited courses at colleges are run as evening classes from September to June. This often does not suit parents who want to learn BSL quickly. However, some providers will offer courses in more intensive formats with classes in the daytime or at weekends. It is worth spending a bit of time investigating who is offering courses in your area to see which provider is most suitable in terms of cost, location, speed of learning and course times. There are three different awarding bodies for accredited qualifications Signature, ibsl and ABC who all offer similar courses. A good place to search for course providers is Signature s website it does not give you the dates and times of courses but will tell you who provides them. You can then look at the websites of the providers or get in touch with them for more details. You will find that there are more providers that offer Level 1 BSL than Level 2. As you progress up the levels the courses tend to be more difficult to find and more expensive. If you are unable to access a course in your area there are now some online providers. However, if there are local courses available, learning signs face-to-face is easier and you can also benefit from the opportunity to interact and practise with peers. 8

9 Family Sign Language Family Sign Language (FSL) is a course aimed at families with deaf children aged between 0 and 5. Unlike the traditional Level 1 BSL curriculum which is based around signs appropriate for adult life and interactions, the FSL curriculum includes the BSL signs needed for telling nursery rhymes, stories and playing games and is typically taught through 20 hours of tuition. Some local authorities and local organisations will teach FSL through classes and home tuition or provide their own similar version of this training. For more information about Family Sign Language visit 9

10 What support do local authorities offer? In November 2013 we asked all local authorities in England to tell us about the support they offer families to learn British Sign Language. 59% of authorities told us they offered one or more of the following types of support through a Sensory or Hearing Support Service. 1. Home tuition for families from a Teacher of the Deaf (if they have a higher level of signing) or a sign language tutor/deaf role model. 2. Family Sign Language or Introduction to BSL classes aimed at families. 3. Funding for places on accredited courses (i.e. Level 1 or 2 BSL) from local providers. However, funding does not always cover assessment fees. 4. Setting up free Level 1 or 2 BSL classes for families. Ask your child s Teacher of the Deaf about what is provided through your local authority or you can visit 36% of local authorities said that they provide funding for parents to take accredited BSL courses. This is usually the full course fee for both parents but it is sometimes partial funding. Often the cost of taking exams is not covered and if you want to achieve a Level 1 or 2 BSL certificate you may need to pay assessment fees. 10

11 Other services local authorities currently provide include: lending of BSL resources such as books and DVDs family support workers groups for families and children to practise their BSL liaising with other local organisations who can provide support. Even if your local authority does not provide any courses or funding, 95% of local authorities stated they provide information to families about other providers in the local area who offer BSL courses. Ask your child s Teacher of the Deaf for information. 81% of local authorities said they had no written policy on access to BSL learning for families. This means there can be a lack of clarity about the support you might be entitled to. Some parents told us that they have experienced negative attitudes towards sign language from their local authority or medical professionals and had been advised not to learn. The I-Sign consortium believes that if you wish to learn sign language to communicate with your child then that choice must be respected. There is no evidence that using sign language with deaf children will impact negatively on spoken language development or academic achievement. If you experience negative attitudes towards sign language you can get in touch with the National Deaf Children s Society s Freephone Helpline on or helpline@ndcs.org.uk for further information and support. Alternatively, visit the National Deaf Children s Society Facebook page at or their Parent Place forum at to discuss issues with other parents. You can also contact the British Deaf Association on or bda@bda.org.uk. 11

12 Examples of support provided by local authorities The support that different local authorities offer varies a lot. For example, 42% do not offer any funding or tuition. Below are three examples of good provision from local authorities (as of November 2013). You will be able to compare the services described below with what your own local authority provides. Norfolk Council Via the Virtual Sensory Support Service (VSSS), the council provides a range of support backed up by a communication policy. For the early years, communication can be facilitated through signing support in the home from language aides who are deaf role models. This service is delivered by a local charity, Deaf Connexions, but is commissioned by VSSS. Staff are also trained in the Family Sign Language curriculum. A Family Sign Language group meets every fortnight at the deaf resource base. For parents who wish to take Level 2 there is funding available to pay for their course fees. VSSS will fund BSL Level 1 for parents of deaf children. Suffolk Council Suffolk Council s Children and Young People s Sensory and Communication Service has a close relationship with Enable Support Services, an organisation that provides Level 1 and 2 BSL courses. Its own sensory support practitioners offer sign language support in the home, teaching family-friendly sign language. Also, they run a weekly signing group for parents. Funding is available to support parents with the cost of courses up to Level 3 (50% of course fees). 12

13 Buckinghamshire Council The authority commissions a local charity, Young Deaf Activities, to run the Home Communication Club, which provides families with 10 free BSL lessons in the home. The lessons are tailored around the family s needs and are open to all family members. Further lessons can be delivered but families will be asked to pay for them if they do not receive a further referral from the local authority. Social care provision Deaf children and parents or carers of deaf children are entitled to an assessment of their needs by children s social care if they request one. The Children Act 1989 allows for children s social care to provide almost any services to a disabled child or their parents/carers if the assessment has shown that a service is necessary to safeguard and promote a child s welfare. This could include paying for parents/carers and extended family members to access sign language classes or communication support. Accessing social care support can be a challenge given restriction to council budgets and the lack of specialist knowledge about the social care needs of deaf children. Please read the National Deaf Children s Society factsheet on deaf children and social care before you request support or contact their Freephone Helpline for advice. 13

14 Barriers to learning BSL in some areas Here are a few things parents told us: I would love to learn BSL Level One but it is the cost of it. The provision to learn BSL for families is not good... Our child has an implant but we want him to be bilingual in BSL and spoken English. This is proving completely out of reach... as there is nowhere near enough support for families to learn BSL at a rate in which children would usually have access to a full language. At this time local deaf adults go out to people s houses and teach them signing basics, but the council are looking at cutting all of these services. Our LA [local authority] are very anti-signing, I think this is a real shame as they offer lots of other support but learning BSL would have been a much greater support for us than many of the other resources. It was hard for me to find a course and expensive. Most Family Sign Language courses or basic sign tuition for parents tends to be free. However, these courses will only teach families a very basic level of BSL and are insufficient for those who wish to take a sign bilingual or Total Communication approach. The cost of accredited courses can be very variable with Level 1 courses ranging from free to more than 400 depending on who is providing it. The I-Sign consortium believes that it is unfair for parents of deaf children to have to pay to learn how to communicate with their child. 14

15 If you are a parent who finds it too expensive to learn BSL in your area or cannot access courses locally, please contact the National Deaf Children s Society s Freephone Helpline on or helpline@ndcs.org.uk as they may be able to provide information and support. Alternatively, contact the British Deaf Association on or bda@bda.org.uk. 15

16 Special educational needs reforms and their impact on future access to BSL learning Local Offers In September 2014 changes were made to the way local authorities meet the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities. One of the changes is that local authorities must publish Local Offers. The setting out of Local Offers is a legal obligation for local authorities. This information must be available online and lists the support that local authorities expect to be available locally for children with SEN and disabilities. This includes services within neighbouring areas, not just within the local authority, and any services not directly delivered by the local authority. A local authority might include information in their Local Offer about the following: Family Sign Language tuition or classes funding to support the cost of course fees providers of sign language courses group sessions for families to meet and converse in BSL BSL qualifications of Teachers of the Deaf and other education professionals. The National Deaf Children s Society has produced a factsheet for families on Local Offers. Download it from 16

17 The law does not require local authorities to provide any of the services listed above but they must provide information about what is available. Local Offers make it easier to identify what provision might be missing in your area. Take a look at your local authority s Local Offer. It should be easy to find through a search engine or the local authority s website. If you feel that there is not sufficient support listed or enough courses in your area then there are two ways you can get involved and influence the content of Local Offers: 1. Local authorities are required to consult with parents and young people when developing and reviewing their Local Offer. Ask your local authority how you can get involved. There may be local parent-carer forums that you will be able to join or your local deaf children s society may also be feeding in their views. 2. You should be able to submit comments if you are unhappy with any aspects of your Local Offer. The local authority will be required to publish and respond to any comments, explaining what action they are going to take in response. SEN Personal Budgets Deaf children and their families may be given the option to use Personal Budgets to buy in any support they need, including for example, sign language tuition. SEN Personal Budgets will only be available to families where the child or young person has an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan. EHC plans will be gradually replacing statements of special educational needs. If it has been agreed in a plan that you and your child are to learn BSL then you may be able to request a Personal Budget to pay for BSL tuition or other BSL services. However, local authorities are able to turn down requests if they feel it would be an inefficient use of their resources. 17

18 At the time of writing this Guide there were very few examples of deaf children receiving Personal Budgets. However, in the West Midlands the family of Ansell, a deaf child with additional needs who received an EHC plan, were supported to access a Personal Budget in 2014 to pay for formal courses in BSL. His mother said, We advocated strongly that Ansell had a right to support to make his home accessible for his communication needs, similarly to a child with a physical disability needing equipment or adaptations. For more information about Personal Budgets and to read about other examples download our Personal Budgets factsheet for families from 18

19 Useful resources Websites Action on Hearing Loss British Deaf Association BSL Signbank online BSL dictionary I-Sign project National Deaf Children s Society National Deaf Children s Society factsheets on Local Offers and Personal Budgets NDCS Family Sign Language website for video clips of familyfriendly signs and tips for communicating with your child Signature to access Signature s database of BSL learning centres 19

20 Books First Time series, Childs Play International Ltd (2009) Learn to Sign with Oli, Garry Slack (2007) Let s Sign BSL Flash Cards: Early years and baby signs, Cath Smith (2005) Sign Language Companion: A handbook of British signs, Cath Smith (1997) SignSpell series, Signature (2013) DVDs Family Sign Language, available from National Deaf Children s Society Introduction to BSL Awareness, available from British Deaf Association Signing Family, available from British Deaf Association 20

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24 NDCS Freephone Helpline: (voice and text) JR0597 Last reviewed: January 2015 Next review due: January 2017 Published by the National Deaf Children s Society Ground Floor South, Castle House, Paul Street, London EC2A 4LS The Crown February 2015 NDCS is a registered charity in England and Wales no and in Scotland no. SC Tel: (voice and text) Fax: Funded by