British Sign Language Celebration Day
Please note: This event took place in March 2016
As part of our ongoing work to ensure we are as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as can be for all of our customers, audiences, staff and visitors, we are marking the 13th anniversary of British Sign Language (BSL's) recognition as a language. So whether you are a lifelong BSL user, just starting out or haven't tried your hand(s) at it at all please join us to celebrate this important day.
On Fri 18 March at 11:00 we'll be hosting a reception to mark the anniversary of BSL's recognition as a language and we will share the news of the work we have been doing with the Arts Council England’s Agent for Change programme, which saw us matched with David Ellington, a Deaf BSL user, filmmaker and artist from Bristol who has helped us to be more inviting and welcoming to the Deaf/hard of hearing community.
After the reception David and a BSL interpreter and staff will be on hand in the Café/Bar on the hour every hour (from 13:00 until 17:00) to demonstrate and teach some simple BSL phrases, including:
- How to finger spell the alphabet
- Simple greetings
- Talking about the weather
- Days of the week
- What is your name? My name is..
- How are you?
- Where do you live? What do you do?
- How to order your drink...
As it's a day all about celebration from 17:00 - 18:00 it will be BSL Happy Hour in the Café/Bar. If you can sign your drink order at the bar - whether it's a cup of tea, a pint of beer or a glass of wine - you will get 20% off the price. And don't worry, if you're not a BSL user or you're a little hesitant, someone will be on hand to help you learn the signs.
Let's all raise our glasses in celebration of British Sign Language.