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How to apply to study at Nescot.
Nescot staff and students explored the significance of sign language and deaf culture on International Day of Sign Languages (23 September) and during International Week of Deaf People (23 – 29 September).
To mark International Day of Sign Languages, the college held an awareness event for staff in the college’s theatre. The event included first-hand experiences from Nescot staff and students, useful insights and best practice examples from curriculum areas. Throughout International Week of Deaf People, students in various curriculum areas across the college also took part in awareness raising sessions during tutorials.
Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO commented, “1 in 6 people in the UK are either deaf or have some form of hearing loss, which is why it is important to recognise that this affects a large proportion of people. As part of International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People, we have been raising awareness amongst staff and students of what it is like to be deaf and the challenges faced by members of our deaf community to help better inform ourselves and to try to break down barriers together.”
Clarrie Rodgers, one of our Foundation Learning lecturers who has hearing loss spoke about her experiences to staff. She highlighted to staff that with inclusive practice and the right adaptions, everything is achievable. “Underestimation is one of the main causes of exclusion. When we ensure and enable inclusion, we have the potential to unlock true potential,” said Clarrie.
Clarrie also demonstrated basic signs in British Sign Language (BSL) in a short video tutorial for staff and students, available on our YouTube channel, see: https://youtu.be/LNpObIUZles
Harry, a recent Performing Arts graduate, also shared his journey as a deaf student at Nescot. He expressed, “I’m Deaf, and I use speech and British Sign Language to communicate. Nescot and the Performing Arts department are really inclusive and welcoming, and everyone has been so supportive. I would 100% recommend my course to other Deaf students – being here has played a role in helping me grow and gain confidence. I plan on continuing to study drama at university.” Watch Harry’s story on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/y9CZVVkX0fg
Leanne Bentley, Performing Arts Curriculum Standards Coordinator, shared some of the best practice initiatives that the department have put in place. She said, “Students like Harry are an inspiration for our team, we have learnt so much from him. We couldn’t be prouder of him and wish him all the very best as he pursues his BA Honours in Drama at University.”
Hayley Phillips, Performing Arts lecturer added, “Right from the start, we worked with Harry who completed his Level 3 and Level 4 with us, to ensure that we put in place the adjustments and support he needed with coursework, rehearsals and performances, so that there were zero barriers to him being able to fully participate.”
During the week, staff had the opportunity to learn some practical tips on how to support the deaf community including how to improve communication techniques. Students also took part in a series of deaf awareness curriculum tutorials through fun and interactive activities to better inform them.
Julie Kapsalis concluded, “Hearing first-hand accounts from our staff member Clarrie and our former student Harry has been truly thought-provoking and inspiring. We cannot underestimate the importance of inclusivity for both students and staff and we are actively exploring a variety of ways to ensure no-one feels left behind.”
International Day of Sign Language is celebrated annually across the world on 23 September every year, along with International Week of the Deaf. More information can be found on the World Federation of the Deaf and the United Nations websites.