Mother of deaf child shares the importance of learning BSL
Learning British Sign Language is a rewarding venture regardless of context, but for parents of deaf children it can mean unlocking a vital communication tool.
For learner Nicola Seaward, discovering that her youngest daughter was profoundly deaf, became the motivator for her to pick up the skill.
In 2022, Nicola’s youngest daughter was just three weeks old when she was diagnosed as deaf. With two older hearing children, this was an entirely new experience for her family. At 14 months, her daughter received cochlear implants, significantly enhancing her ability to hear. However, Nicola and her husband quickly realised the importance of learning sign language to ensure communication wasn’t entirely dependent on hearing aids.
Recognising the value of BSL, Nicola’s husband completed a Level 1 BSL course soon after their daughter’s diagnosis. Inspired by his dedication, Nicola followed, undertaking a BSL course with training provider ALS after recommendations from her daughter’s Teacher of the Deaf. Though initially daunted by the challenge, Nicola found the learning process enjoyable, thanks to the supportive and encouraging approach of her tutor, Nadene.
One of the most effective aspects of the course was the emphasis on practicing simple conversations each week. This approach helped Nicola and fellow learners build confidence and familiarity with the new skill. Over time, Nicola became more comfortable using sign language and appreciated its value in everyday interactions. However, she found certain aspects, such as fingerspelling, particularly challenging. Despite this, she persevered and gained the ability to communicate using simple signs with her daughter.
While her daughter’s cochlear implants allow her to hear and develop speech, Nicola firmly believes in the importance of having an alternative means of communication. In noisy environments or instances when her daughter is not wearing her implants, BSL serves as a crucial backup. As well as this, Nicola and her husband regularly use BSL in social settings, reinforcing its presence in their daily lives. Their daughter, too, has picked up some simple signs and uses them confidently.
“I would encourage parents of deaf children to learn BSL,” Nicola said. “As a family it has really helped us, and it’s comforting to know that we have another way of communicating with our daughter.
“With any hearing loss diagnosis it can be difficult to know which path to take. Although our daughter is able to communicate with speech, her hearing is completely dependent on her cochlears. These can get lost or become damaged at any time, and there are also times when my daughter doesn’t have them on, and so would be unable to hear anything at all.
“We feel it helps to have some BSL as a backup, and it could be something our daughter wishes to use and continue to learn as she gets older.”
Emma Howard, Quality Manager at ALS, said: “Learning British Sign Language is more than just acquiring a skill, it’s unlocking a world of connection. At ALS, we believe in empowering families like Nicola’s with the tools they need to communicate beyond barriers.
“Our courses provide a supportive environment where learners gain confidence and practical knowledge. Whether for personal growth, professional development, or fostering inclusivity, ALS can help guide you on your journey to meaningful communication.”
You can find more details of the BSL course here.