Jump to content

  • BSL Forum
    Video Chat
    Fingerspelling
    Game
    Create an
    Animation
    Print a
    Word
    Make a
    Word Search
    Fingerspelling
    Alphabet
    Online BSL
    Course

BSL for mentally disabled children

Simon (admin)

By Simon (admin)
in Other

 Share

Recommended Posts

Edward Grabczewski Newbie

Edward Grabczewski

Posted
Posted

This is a big topic but has anyone considered the use of British Sign Language for the mentally disabled? This is not a naive question. I’ve looked at all the signing systems (see my blog at http://rubinstein-taybisyndrome.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-colours-of-english-language-sign.html) and wondered what happens when your child reaches the age of 18 and still can’t talk but has learnt Makaton (in England) or Signalong (in Wales) but nobody they know outside their immediate circle knows how to sign. Who do they communicate with? If they knew BSL then they could find an existing adult community of signers in the deaf community. Do you see my point? This is an issue that is being ignored at present from what I can see. PS. I know Makaton and Signalong have English grammar and BSL has a native and different grammar but that’s simply a matter or learning two languages – something that mentally disabled children can do, in many cases, anyway. It’s not a reason for not learning BSL.

Bec Meachin Newbie

Bec Meachin

Posted
Posted

Hi Edward, I just wanted to say I have read this and wanted to acknowledge that, but I am not really clued up on it all to give an opinion. I am learning BSL as I think it might be useful to me one day. 

I do agree that BSL should be taught though to all children. It is fairly easy to pick up, and they seem to enjoy it. My step daughters (8 and 11) love learning new things off me when I am learning.

Anyway, I hope you can have a proper chat with someone about it, as I think it is most likely very important to a lot of people! ?

 

Bec 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Posts

    • Adrian Green
      Hello

      By Adrian Green · Posted

      Hi I have started to learn BSL as a good friend of mine is deaf and I also want to be more inclusive in both my working setting and in my role in Scouts (Leader for 18 years). It is not east to learn at my age but I am going to give it my best and with Wilfred's help I am sure I can pick it up.
    • Morgz
      My why

      By Morgz · Posted

      I want to learn sign language to develop a new skill that improves inclusivity in the UK. I remember learning the sign alphabet in school and I wish I continued to pursue it, so I am making the choice now to expand my knowledge on sign language and hopefully connect with people who use sign in the future. 
    • Morgz
      Hello!

      By Morgz · Posted

      My name is Morgan! I am 24 and currently travelling south east Asia for 5 months! I am always looking at ways to expand my skills! I love yoga, nature, and UK British summertime! I am excited to return to the UK to figure out a new career path and see my family and friends!  
    • Megpink
      Sign Language helps with Autism

      By Megpink · Posted

      Hello my name is Megan. Ive decided to learn because it helps me to communicate when its too hard for me to speak. At times I get overwhelmed and struggle to use my voice. It helps my partner too, when we are trying to communicate when im having dissociative episodes and seizures etc. 
    • juls
      why are you learning bsl

      By juls · Posted

      I have had an interest in learning BSL because I attended a recent event but was not able to communicate with someone who could sign only. As he could lip read we did communicate but I wanted to learn BSL to pay forward 
    • juls
      introduce yourself

      By juls · Posted

      I have had an interest in learning BSL because I attended a recent event but was not able to communicate with someone who could sign only. As he could lip read we did communicate but I wanted to learn BSL to pay forward 
    • juls
      Hi

      By juls · Posted

      I have had an interest in learning BSL because I attended a recent event but was not able to communicate with someone who could sign only. As he could lip read we did communicate but I wanted to learn BSL to pay forward 
    • Catherine Harwood
      For my daughter

      By Catherine Harwood · Posted

      Hello, I am learning sign language due to my daughter being partially deaf at birth.  I thought it would be good for me to learn it and hopefully incorporate into teaching her to talk so she will always have that option to fall back on. 

  • Fingerspelling Scoreboard

    (top 10 - past 24hrs)

  • Fingerspelling Animation Maker

×
×
  • Create New...