Sign Language Boards for Playgrounds

Children at playgrounds around Leeds are being encouraged to learn sign language after fun educational boards were installed.

Funded by the National Deaf Children's Society, two boards have been put up at 10 playgrounds, showcasing the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling alphabet and a selection of helpful words when playing.

Early years can have a profound impact on deaf children’s language and social skills and the aim is that the signs will improve and encourage interaction between all children through playful interaction in the playgrounds.

The grant was awarded as part of a scheme funding community projects that support the communication skills of deaf children.

“We needed to use the money to improve the communication skills of local deaf children, and we thought that putting the signs in parks was a way that we could reach as many families across Leeds as possible,” said Bryony Hughes, who runs Leeds Deaf Children’s Society.

“The aim is that if more people, deaf and hearing, learn some basic BSL then it improves the skills of all involved, and also helps deaf people feel less isolated.”

The sign language boards have been installed in children’s play areas at Pudsey Park, Horsforth Hall Park, Bramley Park, Yeadon Tarnfield Park, Stanningley Park, Springhead Park Rothwell, Heritage Village, Blands Avenue Allerton Bywater, Cross Flatts Park, and East End Park.

“This was a great idea from Leeds Deaf Children’s Society,” said Angela Calder from the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants programme.

“We hope the new signs get people talking about British Sign Language and even using a few basic signs. It’s a really powerful way of helping deaf children feel more included.

“Our Community Grants programme is all about initiatives like this – enabling groups and communities all around the UK to make a real, tangible difference on the ground, helping deaf children and young people feel part of their communities.”

To find out more visit https://www.ndcs.org.uk/