Most of you will know that I spent part of last week at the labour party conference championing religion and worldviews education. I met ministers, MPs, councillors, party members, third sector leaders and educationalists. However, one encounter was inspirational.

I attended a fringe event called ‘Towards a new partnership: Philanthropy and Government. There was an emphasis on charities working together with the government, focusing on both the economic and social. Rebecca Mansell, Chief Executive of the British Deaf Association asked the panel questions about the importance of accessibility and inclusion for those who are deaf. This followed a question asked by a young person in a previous fringe event about British Sign Language (BSL) being part of the mainstream curriculum in schools, and in particular at GCSE.

It got me thinking…

How are we as a religion and worldviews community supporting deaf children and teachers who use BSL?

How accessible are the resources, support and professional development we offer at Culham St Gabriel’s to those who are deaf?

I was challenged.

After the fringe I caught up with Rebecca. It was one of the most uplifting conversations I had at the conference. She told me about some of the roots of BSL in Christian communities, and how we probably don’t really know what support there is for children, young people or adults using BSL in terms of religion and worldviews education. I realised that there may not only be research in this area required, but also that we needed to consider how we may be able to support those who are deaf and celebrate some of the history of BSL in faith communities.

I came away determined to collaborate with Rebecca and her team in the future, and look forward to further conversations, and action!

Kathryn Wright
CEO, Culham St Gabriel’s

A brief history of and guide to BSL can be found on the British Deaf Association Website:
https://bda.org.uk/help-resources/