My name is Elise and I am a carer for a young person who is profoundly deaf. Over the christmas period I was searching to see if I could see a father christmas or any other christmas activities that were in BSL for him to attend. The selection was limited and the closest was about a 2 hour drive from where we live. It so unfair that he like many other deaf and hard of hearing children aren’t able to experience christmas the same way other children are. 
As part of my role I try to teach him life skills and independence which is near impossible when he has to rely on me to communicate for him. 

I’ve also experienced situations out in the community where I’ve had to step in to assist someone who is struggling to use BSL, one of the most notable being inside A&E where there was not a single other person in the entire department who could communicate using BSL. Had I not been there they would not of received the vital help they needed. This is simply unacceptable. 

People often say the phrase “children are the future” and this is very much the truth. If we want to make a change and take steps to being an inclusive society I believe the first step is to start teaching BSL in schools. If we implement this from a young age we can eventually get to a society where everyone knows BSL to an extent. 

Approximately 11 million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss, making it imperative that we foster an inclusive society where everyone can communicate and understand each other. By introducing BSL into the curriculum, we can help bridge the gap between the hearing and Deaf communities, promoting social inclusion and reducing the stigma that Deaf individuals often face.

Countries like New Zealand, which have successfully integrated sign language into their education systems, show that such measures can significantly enhance communication and cultural understanding nationwide. By incorporating BSL into school curriculums, students would not only develop a valuable skill but also gain insights into Deaf culture, thereby promoting empathy and cooperation from a young age.

We propose that the Department for Education take immediate action to amend the national curriculum to include BSL as a mandatory subject. This change would empower future generations with the ability to communicate inclusively and effectively, ensuring no one is left out due to a language barrier.