Disabled teen teaches sign language during lockdown

A lot of people are using lockdown to learn new skills. From baking to new exercise routines, knitting to learning a new language, it seems everyone will come out of this with an ability to bake the perfect red velvet cake or speak mediocre French. But one teenager is using his time to teach others a vital skill by hosting online sign language classes.

You can sign up to the free British sign language classes by clicking here.

15 year old Tyrese Dibba, who is dead and partially sighted, has seen some 7,000 people already sign up to his free online sign language classes with many more expected to join.

Coinciding with Deaf Awareness Week, Tyrese has teamed up with charity Sense to front their latest campaign to help encourage people to learn sign language and tackle loneliness amongst disabled people.

Taught by Tyrese, each lesson will cover different subjects including family and holidays.

One in four British people admit avoiding conversations with disabled people, according to research by Sense. However, one in two disabled people feel lonely which rises to three in four for young disabled people.

Speaking about the campaign, Tyrese said: “I want more people to learn to sign, so Deaf people don’t get excluded. You should be able to chat to someone, whatever their disability might be. After all, no one likes feeling left out.”