Why am I learning BSL?

[IanR]

I am trying to learn BSL so that I have more understanding of what it might be like to be deaf in a very auditory world, mainly so that I can properly differentiate my lessons to the needs of a new student who has joined our school in September.

[Batem4n]

Welcome to the forum! It's great that you're trying to learn some BSL to differentiate your lessons. How long have you been learning up until now?

[Jules F]

Hi 

My partner, Ken,  and I, Jules, initially did a Lipreading course and then started learning BSL with ‘Amy of Smartsigns BSL’ in an introduction to 10 session course earlier this year. My partner’s hearing was gradually getting worse and he was feeling more and more isolated in social situations, so it seemed a good idea. More recently we decided, along with some of those on the Lipreading/ BSL Smartsigns courses, to do the course offered by this site and practice together so we would improve our skills further. Luckily Totnes Library allowed us space to meet and practice weekly. Still very much beginners, but enjoying the experience.

[Jules F]

I am have just finished the introduction to BSL course on this site. I found it very useful and with a group of others, who I did either or both a Lipreading/ a different 10 weeks introduction to BSl face to face courses, we are practising the lessons together at a weekly meet up. We are currently focusing on lesson 3 and also recapping the others. We are having fun learning together and building our confidence. 

[kirk]

i’m learning sign as i have motor neurone disease & i’m struggling with speach 

[Batem4n]

On 15/09/2025 at 21:05, Jules F said:

Hi 

My partner, Ken,  and I, Jules, initially did a Lipreading course and then started learning BSL with ‘Amy of Smartsigns BSL’ in an introduction to 10 session course earlier this year. My partner’s hearing was gradually getting worse and he was feeling more and more isolated in social situations, so it seemed a good idea. More recently we decided, along with some of those on the Lipreading/ BSL Smartsigns courses, to do the course offered by this site and practice together so we would improve our skills further. Luckily Totnes Library allowed us space to meet and practice weekly. Still very much beginners, but enjoying the experience.

Hi, Jules. How have you been doing up until now on the course?

Edited November 23, 2025 by Batem4n

[Batem4n]

On 15/09/2025 at 21:52, Jules F said:

I am have just finished the introduction to BSL course on this site. I found it very useful and with a group of others, who I did either or both a Lipreading/ a different 10 weeks introduction to BSl face to face courses, we are practising the lessons together at a weekly meet up. We are currently focusing on lesson 3 and also recapping the others. We are having fun learning together and building our confidence. 

Hi, Jules. That sounds great! How are the weekly meetings going?

[Batem4n]

On 30/09/2025 at 21:50, kirk said:

i’m learning sign as i have motor neurone disease & i’m struggling with speach 

Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry to hear about your MND diagnosis. How have you found learning BSL so far?