River

No one in my personal life uses BSL at this stage, so there isn't really a personal reason I would need to learn the language. However, as a physically disabled person in my 20s, I've become aware of how many accessibility flaws there are in modern society and I generally do what I can to keep myself educated on things like this whether it is applicable to me or not. One example of how I can do this is to be the one person in the room who is able to communicate with a Deaf person without needing to break out the pens and paper or notes app on a phone, and instead be able to speak in their primary language. I am of the opinion that BSL should be taught in all British schools, but until that time, I will do what I can now to be the difference I and so many others wish to see.

Hi! My name is River and I have recently started learning BSL. I found this forum via the BSL learning website I've been using and wanted to introduce myself. I find I retain the signs I learn best when I'm actually able to talk to someone in BSL but don't know anyone in my personal life who actually uses the language. I'm hoping by being on this forum I'll be able to learn more about the Deaf community and might even be able to have conversations with people via video once I'm at a stage where I have any chance of understanding what's being said (I'm a complete beginner right now and would basically be guessing with context clues). Thanks for reading! I hope to be active on here again soon!