Deaf learner voice scheme launched
Published:
6 June 2012 Unique bi-lingual interactive learner voice d/Deaf awareness training, created and led entirely by d/Deaf learners, (is now available to learning providers, using their LSIS accounts).
Funded by the Skills Funding Agency, LSIS has worked with three specialist colleges, Westgate College for Deaf People, Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education and Doncaster College for the Deaf, to support a group of eight Deaf learners from further and higher education to develop and deliver d/Deaf awareness training.
Deaf (with a capital D) refers to people who identify themselves as culturally deaf, and have a strong deaf identity. Led by Deaf learners, working with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, the training provides an opportunity for participants to understand the challenges and barriers faced by d/Deaf learners in the FE and Skills sector. It is a powerful and authentic way for practitioners to gain an insight into what good teaching and learning is about.
This training aims to help hearing managers and practitioners in the FE and Skills sector build a better awareness of Deaf culture, the legal rights of d/Deaf learners, an understanding of deafness as a hidden disability, and to show that BSL is a language in its own right.
John Stewart, one of the Deaf trainers and an undergraduate at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) said:
“This training has given me a good challenge to train professional people.
I hope all professional people are aware of the issues....we want to make education accessible for all people.”
The learners have already delivered training to the Office of Disability Issues, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Skills Funding Agency, LSIS and OFSTED; the pilot training received a 100% satisfaction rating from participants.
LSIS’s Programme Development Manager for Quality and Equalities, Kathryn James said:
“The training has gone really well and participants have commented that having the training delivered by young Deaf people has really helped them understand the issues being discussed.
It gives participants the opportunity to practice their communication skills in a non-threatening environment and to hear and witness the richness and complexity of BSL from proud and confident Deaf learners.
We believe that organisations such as colleges, training providers and employers will benefit from the awareness training. Individuals who undergo the awareness training will be able to support their organisation in meeting their public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010, s.149.”
This project also provides the learners involved with opportunities to gain skills in training in a professional ‘real life’ forum, and to celebrate and have pride in their culture and language. It leads to increased confidence beyond their involvement in the project which they can take forward in life and work.
LSIS is working with the learners and specialist colleges involved to explore how to sustain this work, including options to create a social enterprise that will provide employment for young d/Deaf people.
For more information and to book the training contact Daniel Nunu, Programme Support Officer, Quality and Equalities, LSIS.
Funded by the Skills Funding Agency, LSIS has worked with three specialist colleges, Westgate College for Deaf People, Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education and Doncaster College for the Deaf, to support a group of eight Deaf learners from further and higher education to develop and deliver d/Deaf awareness training.
Deaf (with a capital D) refers to people who identify themselves as culturally deaf, and have a strong deaf identity. Led by Deaf learners, working with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, the training provides an opportunity for participants to understand the challenges and barriers faced by d/Deaf learners in the FE and Skills sector. It is a powerful and authentic way for practitioners to gain an insight into what good teaching and learning is about.
This training aims to help hearing managers and practitioners in the FE and Skills sector build a better awareness of Deaf culture, the legal rights of d/Deaf learners, an understanding of deafness as a hidden disability, and to show that BSL is a language in its own right.
John Stewart, one of the Deaf trainers and an undergraduate at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) said:
“This training has given me a good challenge to train professional people.
I hope all professional people are aware of the issues....we want to make education accessible for all people.”
The learners have already delivered training to the Office of Disability Issues, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Skills Funding Agency, LSIS and OFSTED; the pilot training received a 100% satisfaction rating from participants.
LSIS’s Programme Development Manager for Quality and Equalities, Kathryn James said:
“The training has gone really well and participants have commented that having the training delivered by young Deaf people has really helped them understand the issues being discussed.
It gives participants the opportunity to practice their communication skills in a non-threatening environment and to hear and witness the richness and complexity of BSL from proud and confident Deaf learners.
We believe that organisations such as colleges, training providers and employers will benefit from the awareness training. Individuals who undergo the awareness training will be able to support their organisation in meeting their public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010, s.149.”
This project also provides the learners involved with opportunities to gain skills in training in a professional ‘real life’ forum, and to celebrate and have pride in their culture and language. It leads to increased confidence beyond their involvement in the project which they can take forward in life and work.
LSIS is working with the learners and specialist colleges involved to explore how to sustain this work, including options to create a social enterprise that will provide employment for young d/Deaf people.
For more information and to book the training contact Daniel Nunu, Programme Support Officer, Quality and Equalities, LSIS.
Last updated: 14 January 2013
