Deaf News: Swimming teachers in Doncaster get a lesson in Sign Language from Deaf children

A group of swimming teachers from Doncaster Dome have had a special sign language lesson delivered by Deaf children.

The children, from Doncaster School for the Deaf, visited the Dome for a session in the swimming pool and then worked with the swimming teachers to help them learn British Sign Language (BSL) signs that were related to swimming.

Ryan Scott, aquatic development manager for Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT), who manage the Dome said: “Our swimming teachers picked up so many useful tips for communicating with Deaf people during this session.

“The children and their teachers were amazing. They focused on signs that would help the teachers during the lessons when developing technique and also worked on signs that would be useful in helping people find what they needed in the building.

“This is the beginning of our journey with Doncaster School for the Deaf and we are hoping to work with them to develop a package that will mean that all of our swimming teachers have taken part in Deaf Awareness training and have some basic signing skills.”

Pupils from Doncaster School for the Deaf are keen to work with people from local visitor attractions, cafes and restaurants to help to give staff some basic knowledge about communicating with Deaf people.

Jane Goodman, deputy head teacher at Doncaster School for the Deaf said: “Our pupils had a fantastic trip to the Dome. They all enjoyed their time in the pool and were thrilled that the swimming teachers had given up their time to learn a number of swimming related signs.

“Our pupils love to see people signing when they are out and about in the local community and it is great to see organisations putting their time into learning these skills.”

For further information visit www.dclt.co.uk