We’re pleased to share the news of our recent partnership with New College Swindon, which focused on creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. As part of this contract we implemented a series of immersive Deaf Awareness Training workshops designed to equip the New College community with essential skills, knowledge, and practical tools to better support Deaf students and ensure their barrier-free educational journey.
Our Deaf Awareness Training isn’t just a lecture. It’s a hands-on, interactive workshop experience. Over the course of three sessions, enthusiastic groups of faculty, staff, and key decision-makers at New College Swindon—including teachers, support staff, and administrators—gathered to engage with Deaf awareness topics and acquire basic British Sign Language (BSL) skills. These workshops have been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants describing them as “very informative,” “entertaining and interesting,” and “well presented.”
Workshop Structure and Key Components
Workshops were designed to be engaging, enlightening, and practical, combining instructive discussions with exercises that allowed participants to put what they were learning into practice. With the guidance of our skilled BSL trainer and the support of two interpreters, participants were introduced to Deaf awareness fundamentals, including an introduction to British Sign Language alphabets, insights into the unique challenges that Deaf students face, and strategies to make classrooms and campus environments more inclusive.
Workshops were structured into three main areas:
- Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL): Participants were introduced to the basics of BSL, including vocabulary and phrases essential for daily interaction with Deaf individuals and students. The goal was to teach participants how to communicate in BSL and emphasize the importance of body language, facial expressions, and visual cues in creating a welcoming and accessible environment. Attendees also learnt to sign their names, a simple yet powerful way to deal with Deaf people directly and respectfully. This straightforward BSL learning exercise was a highlight for many, with one participant remarking on the feedback form, “Learning to sign my name was a positive experience!”
- Understanding the Needs of Deaf Students: A central part of the workshop was dedicated to raising awareness about the specific challenges Deaf students often encounter in educational settings. Through discussions and real-life examples, participants explored barriers to communication and participation, such as limited access to visual aids, difficulty following auditory instructions, and the need for captioned or translated materials. The training emphasized the difference that simple adjustments can make, such as arranging classrooms for clear sight lines, using visual cues during presentations, and making materials available in accessible formats. By understanding these needs, staff are now better prepared to support Deaf students and create an environment where they can succeed.
- Fostering Inclusivity and Accessibility on Campus: The final part of each workshop focused on strategies for promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Staff and faculty explored ways to make their teaching spaces, communication methods, and campus interactions more Deaf-friendly. Participants were encouraged to take active steps to improve accessibility in their day-to-day communications, such as ensuring that interpreters are available when needed and using clear, expressive body language. This part of the workshop underscored everyone’s collective responsibility to create a nurturing environment, and staff expressed feeling more determined to deploy these changes.
A Collaborative Learning Experience: Beyond a Lecture
What set these training sessions apart was the workshop-style approach, which moved beyond a traditional lecture format. The sessions were designed to encourage active participation. Attendees weren’t just listening to information. They practiced BSL phrases, cooperated in group activity, and shared personal reflections on how they could apply what they were learning to their work.
This workshop format encouraged engagement and curiosity, making the sessions both enjoyable and memorable. Attendees noted that the balance of activities was ‘well-paced.’ The practical BSL exercises, in particular, resonated with participants, who appreciated the opportunity to apply their new skills directly.
Feedback and Takeaways from Participants
At the end of the day, participants were invited to complete a feedback form to share their experiences. Here is some additional information from participants that mirrors the success of the workshops:
- “I’m now interested in attending more BSL courses.”
- “I would recommend this training to my colleagues”
Based on the feedback, most participants expressed a desire to continue their learning and explore further training opportunities. Many indicated that they would suggest these Deaf Awareness Training workshops to others, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of this initiative. Participants also expressed the effectiveness of Prestige Network’s training approach, with many noting how well-made and accessible the sessions were. The positive feedback has inspired us to continue refining and expanding our training programs to meet the evolving needs of educational institutions.
Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Mission for Inclusivity
By investing in Deaf Awareness Training, we are moving toward creating educational spaces that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and empower every student to reach their full potential. We look forward to continuing this mission and bringing our workshops to other institutions, helping to build a future where education is accessible, inclusive, and reachable for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to recognize and support the unique needs and talents of Deaf students across the education sector!
