Tag: bsl

Bite sized Deaf Communications Workshop

Empowering Deaf people through Accessible Communication

Course Details: The aim of this Workshop is for you to develop knowledge and basic skills
to be able to communicate effectively and confidently with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to ensure they can fully participate in your sphere of activity.

What is the Workshop about: The 3 hour session is designed to quickly develop some practical skills for effective communication between deaf and hearing people in your own work, educational, family or social environment. It will also help you to identify your potential to further develop skills in BSL, lip speaking or Deaf blind Manual Alphabet communications to gain accredited vocational qualifications.

What topics are covered in the workshop: The workshop provides an overview of the individual needs of the 11 million people in the UK who have any degree of hearing loss that can be a barrier to accessing information, thereby increasing anxiety and isolation in their community, family or workplace. You will discover, first-hand, the difficulties Deaf and Deaf blind people have in communicating in an environment that is largely focused on the spoken and written word. You will learn and use the tactics for clear lip speaking, block writing and basic BSL that will benefit all people you meet who have any degree of hearing loss. The variety of Assistive technology that can benefit Deaf and Hard of Hearing people is also covered.

What can be achieved: On completion you will be issued an individual certificate of achievement. In addition, Customer Facing groups and teams will receive a, “We are Deaf Friendly” certificate for public display. 

Assessment: There is continuous Tutor, peer and self assessment of your skills in using the whole range of communication tactics you have learned.

Progression: Learners can progress through other courses run by WDDA or other education providers in Deaf and Deaf Blind Awareness /Communication Tactics and Sign Language up to level 6.

Venue: Bournemouth Deaf Club

Duration: 3 hours

Entry Requirements: Open to anyone interested in improving communication with deaf individuals—Customer facing professionals, teachers, students, family members and friends.

No prior knowledge required

Date: Saturday 9th May 2026

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: £20

BOOK HERE! Deaf Communications Workshop

WDDA celebrates after receiving £20k of National Lottery funding to deliver creative workshops for d/Deaf BSL users!

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We are VERY excited to announce that we have been granted almost £20,000 in National Lottery funding to support our ongoing work delivering creative workshops for d/Deaf British
Sign Language (BSL) users in Bournemouth and Dorchester.


Sessions will be led by professional artists from CoCreate with BSL communication support provided by DCS Ltd.

Monthly ‘Coffee and Craft Sessions’ at Bournemouth Deaf Club. Informal social sessions; open to all d/Deaf/BSL users.

Regular Art Sessions at Dorchester Arts Centre for a core group of d/Deaf/BSL users from across Dorset (all members of Dorset Deaf Activities Group – DDAG) who have a particular interest in; and need for; regular arts activities.

This project will offer social opportunities in an accessible; supportive environment, meaningful activity; build creative skills and encourage self-expression. This funding will also help Bournemouth Deaf Club to re-establish itself as a social hub for the d/Deaf community.

This project was made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players. To find out more email admin@wdda.co.uk or call/text 07793284109

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BSL Conversation Class

Join our BSL Conversation Class.

This class will develop and practise your skills to communicate using British Sign Language (BSL) in everyday situations.

You will have completed a BSL Level 1 course (or equivalent) and have a basic knowledge of the subject.

You will further develop skills in sentence structure and grammar used in BSL and increase your range of vocabulary for describing people and animals; rooms in a home and at work; leisure activities and food and drink.  There is no qualification attached to this course.

Please email admin@wdda.co.uk for more information.

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Launch of WDDA Deaf Communication Card

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You asked, we delivered!  WDDA is pleased to introduce Deaf Communication Cards to help improve the experience of the 2000+ Deaf BSL users accessing services in Dorset.

The purpose of the wallet-sized cards is to help identify patients/service users immediately as deaf and that there is a need for communications support.  The card also includes details of local BSL interpreter services and a 24 hour contact number so that healthcare providers/service providers know how to book a BSL interpreter.

Now that we have the WDDA Deaf Communication Card we want to get them into the hands of every Deaf BSL user in Dorset!

deaf communication card

 

We are providing these cards free of charge to all Deaf BSL users so please just get in touch if you would like one.  If you are an agency working with Deaf BSL users and would be interested in holding a supply of cards to give to your service users please email admin@wdda.co.uk.

We are currently looking at distribution points – local Deaf Clubs, Audiology Departments, Libraries… We’d value your input on this.  Please comment below with your suggestions.

 

Coming soon – WDDA Hard of Hearing Communication Cards.

 

Show the Deaf community that you care

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Did you know that WDDA offers bespoke BSL training packages for local organisations, businesses and workplaces? Our Bite Sized Introduction to BSL Communication Skills course can be tailored for your specific needs and delivered at your workplace https://bit.ly/2If3oS4

 

Make your business more accessible to the Deaf community

Did you know that WDDA offers bespoke BSL training packages for local organisations, businesses and workplaces? Our Bite Sized Introduction to BSL Communication Skills course can be tailored for your specific needs and delivered at your workplace https://bit.ly/2If3oS4 Upon completion of your training, your business will be presented with a certificate to display so you can show the Deaf community and the community at large that you care. Your business will also be listed as a Deaf Friendly business on our website with a link to your website. Email Zoe at admin@wdda.co.uk for more information.

Posted by Wiltshire & Dorset Deaf Association on Friday, 13 July 2018

Upon completion of your training, your business will be presented with a certificate to display so you can show the Deaf community and the community at large that you care. Your business will also be listed as a Deaf Friendly business on our website with a link to your website.  Email Zoe at admin@wdda.co.uk for more information.

Tailored BSL training packages for local organisations, businesses and workplaces

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Learn BSL in the workplace

Would you like your staff to have a basic knowledge of sign language for meeting and greeting your customers, clients or service users?

WDDA offers bespoke BSL training packages for local organisations, businesses and workplaces. Our Bite Sized Introduction to BSL Communication Skills course can be tailored for your specific needs and delivered at your workplace, ensuring good uptake and minimising pressure on valuable staff time and resources.

Course Outline:
CIS Bite Sized Introduction to BSL Communication Skills

Workplace BSL Training Needs Questionnaire:
WDDA BSL in your workplace training needs assessment

Interested?  Simply complete and return our Workplace BSL Training Needs Questionnaire to admin@wdda.co.uk. With this information we will be able to suggest a course of suitable content, duration and cost.

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