Deaf Awareness: A Syston Sign Club Recap
On Wednesday, 20th November, Syston Sign Club initiator Matt Davis delivered an engaging presentation on Deaf Awareness. He began by exploring the history of sign language, including a fascinating mention of its first recorded use in 1576 at St Martin’s in Leicester, where part of a wedding ceremony was conducted in sign language.
Matt also delved into the diversity of sign languages worldwide, explaining that each country has its distinct system. He highlighted that even within British Sign Language (BSL), regional variations exist, which added an extra layer of depth to the discussion.
The presentation concluded with practical tips for communicating effectively with deaf individuals, ensuring that attendees left with actionable insights.
The evening’s atmosphere was informal and welcoming, encouraging plenty of questions and the sharing of personal experiences. The discussions flowed naturally, sparked by topics from Matt’s talk. The event wrapped up with a vibrant conversation about the distinction between having a disability and being disabled, which left many attendees eager to continue the dialogue.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to the enriching conversation. Our next Syston Sign Club meeting will take place on the third Wednesday of the month at The Pharmacie Arms from 6.30 pm onwards. We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of BSL conversations and community connection.
For more information, contact the club via email at SystonSignClub@gmail.com, or visit Facebook ‘Syston Sign Club’.?