Students receive British Sign Language awards

A team of 7 students from the University of Northampton’s School of Health were awarded their British Sign Language, level one certificates on Wednesday 14 October, at a celebration event.

In partnership with leading charity, Deafconnect, the University of Northampton’s students have spent the last year learning British Sign Language in addition to their academic studies. The Changemaker British Sign Language (BSL) programme, developed between the University and Deafconnect, teaches students BSL to improve communications with the deaf community.

Certificates were presented to the students by Paul Johnson, Deafconnect BSL tutor. Deafconnect CEO, Joanna Steer said: “I’m thrilled to announce that 100 per cent of the University of Northampton students passed their BSL assessments this year. It is a fantastic achievement for these students, and their skills will be invaluable to the deaf community as they continue on to careers within healthcare.”

Sara Simons, Senior Lecturer at the University of Northampton said: “The BSL training programme is just one of the many ways we are developing our students skill sets to create highly employable graduates. The BSL skills will improve the way our students communicate with deaf people in the community whether at work or at social events. During the programme students have undertaken over 40 hours of volunteering with the local deaf community. I know the students have found this to be very rewarding.”

These students will now study for their level two certificates in BSL. A further cohort of students, which includes students from the School of Health and School of Education at the University, have just begin their level one BSL training.

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