We believe that empathy comes from experience and honest conversation. Our school program fosters empathy through the experience and meaningful conversation. In the presence of silence, curiosity replaces ignorance, and misunderstanding which gives way to genuine empathy, helping us all move beyond false sympathy, prejudice, and stereotypes.
Our Deaf Awareness Workshop introduces students to British Sign Language (BSL) and provides a unique opportunity to connect with members of the Deaf community.
With BSL becoming part of the national curriculum in 2025, this 3-hour workshop is an ideal way to help your students learn something new, get ahead and start preparing. Through our hands-on, interactive experience, students will:
• Learn basic sign language, including useful everyday words and phrases.
• Engage with Deaf individuals, gaining a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and communication.
• Foster empathy and inclusion, developing a sense of respect and awareness for the Deaf community and the importance of accessibility.
This experience will not only introduce students to vital skills but will also align with upcoming curriculum changes, helping to prepare them for future learning.
Workshop Details:
• Duration: 3 hours
• Target Group: Suitable for students of all ages (sessions can be tailored)
• Activities: Sign language lessons, Q&A with Deaf individuals, interactive discussions
• Location: Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, UEL Docklands Campus
TESTIMONIALS
Our visit to the Dialogue Hub made a huge impact on our pupils. Each experience was unique and each experience taught something new and from an important perspective of equity and accessibility. Weeks later, our pupils are still practising their learnt BSL and some are trying to learn more and applying what they learnt at the Dialogue Hub to their everyday experiences. As a teacher, it is wonderful to see our pupils do this in real time and gives me more ways to continue addressing accessibility and social justice issues. This is such important work.
Danielle Oudomvilay, Year 6 Teacher| Writing Lead | Science Lead | Ark Bentworth Academy