A Paisley duo has started classes back up in the hope that more people will get involved and learn the important skill of British Sign Language (BSL).
The sessions are run by deaf BSL tutor Graham Dowe and communication support worker David O’Rorke.
Those who have joined the lessons are already enjoying the classes and learning how to sign for family members.
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Wendy Smith has been attending the beginner classes as she feels that being able to communicate with deaf children will make it easier for them to progress in school.
Wendy, from Glenburn in Paisley, said: “Personally speaking, I work in a primary school and I know that it can support a lot of young people in school.”
Alice Drennan works on a mobile children’s library bus and believes being able to sign to children is an important skill to have.
Alice, also from Glenburn, said: “I always thought it would be good to help children who need a little more support. I used to work as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, so I can get a chance to expand on that knowledge.”
The classes teach the signs for various family members, which also includes signs for family pets, and then progress to learn about the various emotions and other important signs in a fun and friendly environment.
Others like Helen McAileen have joined the classes as they have a more personal approach to wanting to learn the essential skill.
Helen, from Bishopton, explained: “My dad’s hearing was really bad and he refuses to wear hearing aids. I think there is a fear that I will end up going like him. It was 2007 when I got my first hearing aid as I found that the volume of my TV was constantly going up.
“It was 2011 when I had to get my second one and that was when I realised that it was getting really bad. BSL is something that I think should definitely be taught in schools.”
David and Graham are working really hard to get the importance of sign language out and they first started teaching lessons during a lunchtime club at the Paisley Arts Centre and it went really well so they started teaching to an even wider audience.
Their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed by those who attend the much enjoyed classes.
Lisa McAtear, also from Glenburn, told the Express: “I just think what they are doing is great. It is something that I don’t necessarily need for my job, but I do enjoy it.”
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