Nov 25 - British Sign Language Level 1 Training Course
Earlier this year, GHITA organised a training course on British Sign Language level one. The course was taken up by six employees of the Care Agency, two from the GHA and a self-employed individual. The course has been a great success; all attendees having passed and received the SIGNATURE Accreditation Certificate after their video tests were adjudicated by a UK Examination Board. A reception was organised by GHITA last night and certificates were awarded by Samantha Sacramento, Minister for Equality, Social Services and the Elderly.
The training was delivered by Mr Colin Thompson, who is a freelance trainer who works in the UK for Deaf CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), a department of the NHS, and a Deaf Studies Lecturer at South Nottingham College. Mr Thompson has previously delivered British Sign Language courses in Gibraltar in 2011 and 2012. My Thompson was not present at the reception but did send a congratulatory message by video link to the students.
The aim of the course is to enable attendees to communicate with deaf people in British Sign Language on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use.
The Government and the Care Agency aim, in training their staff in the use of British Sign Language, to further encourage a greater understanding of deaf people and the languages and communication methods used both in the workplace and in the community.
Commenting on this training initiative, Minister Sacramento not only congratulates the students, but also wishes to congratulate and encourage GHITA to pursue their objective of promoting Deaf Awareness and the use of British Sign Language in our community to allow Equal Opportunities and greater inclusion for Deaf and Hard of Hearing members of the Community.
Edgar Triay, Chairman of GHITA stated “This course is an example of a productive partnership between Government and GHITA and serves the common aim of increasing accessibility to the deaf and hard of hearing in Gibraltar.”
