Sign language such an important skill, say University of Worcester's British Sign Language Society

The University of Worcester's British Sign Language Society says learning sign language can be such a vital skill.

Christian Wilson is the chair of the group, and a third year student at the university who studies a sports coaching science degree.

He has verbal dyspraxia, meaning he communicates through assistive technology.

"The answer as to why it is so important to learn sign language has always been simple for me," he said.

"It's in case for some reason you can't communicate with someone or they can't communicate with you, it provides a way of doing that.

"Sadly there isn't enough awareness, however, there's lots of different ways that people can learn how to do it, it's just letting them know where they can access that from."

Christian helped organise a 'Text-2-Speech' day throughout the university, which saw Student Union staff spend half the day communicating through software which turns text into speech.

Francesca Henry-White is also a member of the group and a student at the university, and she says she's seen through her job away from the course the impact sign language can have.

She said: "I work as swim teacher, and I've realised by just knowing a couple introductory words and being able to say it through sign language it seems to give people who communicate through it a bit more comfort that way.

"They can engage a lot more easily, but I think we can always educate people more on why it's such a key skill to have.

"Most people I talk to know sign language is a concept but they don't actually know how it works, and it's important people realise that this isn't something that is inclusive to anyone, and everyone can do."

This week has also seen British Sign Language week take place.

• british sign language
• university of worcester