Community Learning and Development Device Fund 2023 (360G-SCVO-a13N2000002oL8FIAU)

We are looking to enhance and improve the learning experiences of individuals undertaking British Sign Language, Lipreading, BSL/Deaf Culture Awareness and Deaf and sensory Awareness training at Deaf Links. Through the project we wish to purchase two 75” touchscreen view boards, two laptops and two video cameras, one of each for our two training rooms. The laptops and view boards will be used by our tutors to deliver interactive and engaging learning with the option of hybrid learning for those who may not be able to attend in person. Individuals learning BSL range from: family members of Deaf people; Deaf young people wanting qualification in their own language; members of the community wishing to improve interactions with Deaf people; service provision staff wanting to be able to communicate with Deaf people; to members of the public wishing to improve their employability skills and career options.Lipreading classes are attended by deafened and hard of hearing people (often new acquired) who are struggling to come-to-terms with their hearing loss and for whom the rehabilitation, peer support and essential communication skills learning is vital for their personal, social and working lives. Those attending Awareness training are from a wide range of statutory, third and private sector agencies, who wish to make their services and interactions with Deaf and sensory impaired people more inclusive, accessible and appropriate.The view boards will enable tutors to bring more interactive material into learning sessions which will engage learners and also to access a wider range of BSL from online content, which enables learners to improve their skills in receiving BSL being produced by others, and understanding it. The laptops will be used by tutors to prepare and plan lessons, develop presentations and then to cast to the view boards during lessons. The video cameras will be used to film learners learning BSL, so they can improve their sign, production, placement, facial expression and boy language. They will also be used to film BSL assessments between learner and student which will then be sent to the external examining body for marking. Learning will take place in groups and pairs. The devices will be always kept on Deaf Links premises, in secure, locked rooms. A member of Deaf Links staff, highly skilled and qualified in IT will support our tutors in becoming competent in using these devices and to help troubleshoot as required.