AMB Deaf Accessibility

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Easter. 🌸

Moments like these are a reminder of the importance of kindness, connection, and supporting one another, values that bring us all together.

May this season of renewal inspire fresh energy, compassion, and new beginnings in both life and work. Let’s continue building a more inclusive world, one that champions BSL, Deaf awareness, and accessibility for everyone.

Happy Easter, and thank you for being part of the journey. 💛

NewBeginnings

I’m so proud of all my students who have successfully completed Level 1 British Sign Language (BSL 101) every single one of them passed 18/18! 🧏‍♀️👋

I’ve lived in Kew and Richmond for over 20 years, and I’ve visited schools across Kew, Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Ham, Whitton, East Sheen, Mortlake, Barnes, and Petersham.

Sadly, most schools in these areas do not offer BSL or actively support Deaf awareness, which means children who are Deaf have nowhere local to go.

Daily life is also affected. Even simple visits to the doctor, dentist, bank, shops, or glasses stores are challenging because staff often cannot communicate in BSL, creating ongoing barriers for families.

Across the UK, schools teach many subjects, such as English, Math, History, and Geography, and these are welcomed everywhere every day. Yet BSL is still not valued or included in most schools, even though it is essential for communication and inclusion. Many people don’t realize this or fully understand, but BSL is just as important as English for those who rely on it.

There are over 32,000 schools in the UK, educating more than 10 million children with around 643,000 teachers. If all schools, both state and private, welcomed BSL, parents, teachers, and communities could help remove communication barriers, and over the next 15 years, everyone would be able to communicate smoothly and inclusively.

This is why I am so proud to see Sutton High School GDST embrace BSL fully. Over 600 students have learned basic BSL, hundreds participate in the BSL club, and many are progressing through Levels 101, 102, 103, and now aiming for Level 2. This is real inclusion in action 💜

A special thank you to Director of Enrichment and Partnerships, Benjamin Essenhigh, and headteacher Beth Dawson, for guiding and supporting us throughout this journey 🙏

With Nestlé – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 3 months in a row. 🎉

With Nespresso – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 3 months in a row. 🎉

🌙 Eid Mubarak 2026! 🌙

🤲 Wishing peace, happiness, and good health to everyone around the world on this special day. 🤲

This year has brought challenges for many, with conflict, hardship, and uncertainty affecting millions. As we celebrate Eid, let us remember the power of kindness, empathy, and unity. No matter where we come from, we are all human, and every act of support, understanding, and inclusion truly matters.

💙 Supporting Syria and the Deaf Community 💙

Even after many years of war, people in Syria are still rebuilding their lives. The Deaf community, in particular, continues to face barriers to education, communication, and opportunities. Wael and I remain committed to supporting them, raising awareness, and ensuring they are not left behind.

🌍 A Call for Global Support and Accessibility 🌍

Let us not forget accessibility for all Deaf, DeafBlind, and people with other disabilities who face daily challenges in communication and inclusion. Together, we can break down barriers, empower individuals, and create a world where everyone can thrive.

🤲 Be Part of This Mission 🤲

Every action counts: sharing, supporting, or donating helps make a real difference. Let’s make 2026 a year of hope, progress, and lasting change for Syria’s Deaf community and for accessibility worldwide.

👉 Support the Syria Deaf Community here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thesyriaassociationofthedeaf2022?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

Let’s continue to stand together, support one another, and spread kindness.

✨ Eid Mubarak ✨

Help raise £50000 to Buy Resources for Deaf Children at The Syria Association for the Deaf – JustGiving Crowdfunding Iʼm raising money to Buy Resources for Deaf Children at The Syria Association for the Deaf. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

A huge thank you to Mayor Eddie Hanson, Asif Iqbal MBE BA (Hons), London Borough of Camden, and the staff of Frank Barnes School For Deaf Children for inviting me to the BSL Reception at Camden Town Hall during Sign Language Week (16–22 March) and on Sign Language Day, commemorating the 2003 official recognition of BSL in the UK.

It was inspiring to see children from Frank Barnes School signing poems and performing in BSL, showing confidence, creativity, and how early exposure empowers communication and inclusion. Their performances reminded everyone why BSL is essential for education, equality, and understanding Deaf culture.

My journey with BSL
When I arrived in the UK from the Middle East at age 9, I had no language, neither English nor Arabic. My education at Hamilton Lodge gave me the language and tools to change my future. I went on to achieve a university degree and a rewarding career.

It is concerning to see that Hamilton Lodge School and College for Deaf Children, like many Deaf schools, is now at risk of closure. Mainstreaming Deaf children without strong BSL provision risks diluting this beautiful language and limiting opportunities for Deaf children to thrive.

BSL in schools: why it matters
As a Deaf educator and founder of Deaf Accessibility, I have taught thousands of students across London and nearby counties. Integrating BSL into schools through lessons, clubs, assemblies, and family sessions breaks down communication barriers, builds confidence, and creates inclusive communities.

During my presentation, I shared:
• Why BSL matters: Communication barriers affect daily life, from classrooms to workplaces. Learning BSL removes these barriers and fosters understanding.
• BSL in schools: BSL should be part of everyday learning, like English or Maths. Flexible lessons, clubs, assemblies, and family sessions give students practical experience.
• Barriers and solutions: Staff and parents need Deaf Awareness training. Flexible timetables and inter-school collaboration provide meaningful practice.
• Success stories: Students teaching family members, confidently using BSL in public, and companies adopting work-related signs show real-life impact.
• Vision for UK schools: Every child should have the opportunity to learn BSL. Deaf and hearing students will communicate naturally, respect each other, and grow up confident in an inclusive society.

Call to action
I encourage schools, educators, and policymakers to support BSL in classrooms, clubs, and family sessions. Together, we can ensure every child experiences the power of this beautiful language.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising this meaningful event. I remain committed to expanding access to BSL education and promoting Deaf awareness across schools and communities.

🎉 Happy Sign Language Week 2026! 🎉

16th – 22nd March 2026 marks Sign Language Week, celebrating British Sign Language (BSL) and its vital role in the Deaf community. This week commemorates the anniversary of BSL’s official recognition as a formal language by the UK Government in 2003.

💙 BSL is more than just signs, it’s a full language with its own grammar, structure, and rich cultural heritage, used by over 300,000 people in the UK today.

💡 Did you know?
There are over 300 sign languages worldwide.
Even countries sharing the same spoken language often have distinct sign languages. For example, English is spoken in the UK and USA, but BSL and American Sign Language (ASL) are completely different.

❌ BSL is NOT:
1️⃣ Just English on the hands – it has its own grammar and nuances.
2️⃣ A communication aid – it’s a complete, independent language.
3️⃣ Universal – each country has its own sign language; BSL is UK-specific.
4️⃣ Makaton – while Makaton supports speech and learning, BSL is a full language.

💡 Why Learn BSL?
🧠 Boost your brain: improves memory, cognitive skills, and problem-solving.
🌍 Embrace diversity: understand Deaf culture, identity, and heritage.
🤝 Build connections: open doors to the Deaf community and enrich your social life.

💬 Communicate better: in workplaces, schools, and noisy environments.
🎭 Celebrate culture: enjoy BSL poetry, storytelling, and Deaf creativity.
📚 FREE BSL LESSONS FOR SCHOOLS & COMPANIES!

We’re offering:
📝 Schools: pre-recorded BSL lessons to introduce students to the language and promote inclusivity.

🏢 Businesses: free BSL lessons to raise Deaf awareness and improve workplace communication.

💡 Extra ways to get involved:
Learn 5–10 basic signs and use them at work or school.

Share BSL videos or posts on social media using .
Support policies and initiatives that improve accessibility for the Deaf community.

Even small steps create a more inclusive and connected world. Let’s continue celebrating BSL, amplifying Deaf voices, and advocating for full access! 💙🤟