Hazel Grove student’s efforts tap into the sign of the times
HAZEL Grove resident and Abbey College Manchester student Tsz Tung Lam has taken on the challenge of learning sign language as part of a project to help the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.
Tsz, 18, from Warwick Drive, is one of a select group of students who have undertaken this course to give them additional skills as they work to secure places on the most competitive degree courses at top universities.
Tsz and her fellow students were interested to learn more about the challenges those who are deaf and hard of hearing fae on a day to day basis.
British Sign Language is now a recognised official language, however many BSL users do not have full access to information and services, including education, health and employment.
The course is being run by Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship (DEAF) and runs for nine weeks.
Students will be taught basic sign language and finger spelling and will be given an overview of Deaf Awareness which will show an insight into the barriers faced by Deaf people.
Each week the students will learn signs based on everyday topics such as greetings, introductions, family, food and home.
Tsz, who studies A-Level maths, biology and chemistry enrolled on the course to develop her understanding of British Sign Language and has found it an interesting challenge.
She said: “When we were given the opportunity to learn sign language I really wanted to take part. I think it is essential we are knowledgeable about the adversities others face and help to make life easier for them.
“It is great that Abbey College Manchester is helping us to do this.”
Liz Elam, Principal at Abbey College Manchester added: “Tsz is a very thoughtful and considerate student who is well placed to take on this course.
“I am so pleased we are able to offer this enrichment programme to some of the students as they will really benefit from this. It will help them to stand out on their applications for higher education.
“At Abbey College we try to instil the importance of equality into our students and learning Sign Language is a great way of doing that.”
There are around 230 students at the college, 60 per cent of whom are from the local area with the remainder from other countries.