The future starts with us
Join us in Leeds on 17-18 July and discover how early access to signed languages sets the stage for lifelong learning and empowerment.

Secure your ticket for 1 day or two! Go to: bslconference.org.uk/tickets/

Join us in Leeds on 17-18 July for key discussions on BSL and Deaf communities ✨Marco Hafner on BSL's economic benefits. ✨Dr Hannah Anglin-Jaffe on sign bilingualism in schools. ✨Dr. Dai O’Brien on political representation. Get your tickets: bslconference.org.uk/tickets/

🎉 BSL Conference 2025
Top speakers. Bold ideas. Big conversations in British Sign Language.

📅 17–18 July | 📍 Queens Hotel, Leeds
🎟️ bslconference.org.uk

British Deaf Association reveals the UK’s 2025 British Sign Language Poet Laureate The British Deaf Association (BDA) is proud to announce the winner of their second annual BSL (British Sign Language) Poet Laureate competition.

🎉 Winner Announced! 🎉

The British Deaf Association is proud to announce the 2025 BSL Poet Laureate — Ishtiaq Hussain!

🥈 2nd place: Maral Mamaghanizadeh
🥉 3rd place: Zoë McWhinney

A huge congratulations to all our winners!
Read the full press release: bda.org.uk/2025-bsl-poet-laureate-winner/

Today marks 80 years since VE Day — a moment of celebration, remembrance, and resilience.

In recognition, we’re sharing this video, which offers a glimpse into how the Deaf community came together one month after VE Day.

#VEDay80

Schools’ BSL Poet Laureate The Schools' BSL Poet Laureate Toolkit is a free resource to help schools run their own British Sign Language (BSL) poetry competitions.

In celebration of National BSL Day, we’re proud to launch the Schools BSL Poet Laureate Toolkit! A FREE resource to help schools celebrate creativity and culture through their own BSL Poet Laureate competitions. Download now: bda.org.uk/schools-poet... #SchoolsBSLPoetLaureate #NationalBSLDay

Recent ITV News Wales report highlights the healthcare failings faced by deaf individuals. BDA Cymru Manager Martin Griffiths advocates for systemic changes in care. To read the article go to: bit.ly/42uMStm to watch the captioned video go to: bit.ly/4iBW8Ay

BSL Poet Laureate Don't miss your chance to become the UK's BSL Poet Laureate! We are excited to announce that DeafZone Glastonbury has kindly sponsored a total of £800 prize pot, with £500 going to the winner, £200 to...

BSL Poet Laureate judges Ismael and Nadia share tips on creating BSL poetry✨ Why not take the chance and apply! Only one week left!

🎥 Submit your 2-minute BSL poetry video on the theme “What I hope for the future of BSL” by 28 April at bda.org.uk/poet-laureate

Video Here: vimeo.com/1076343408/0...

Thinking of applying to be the next BSL Poet Laureate? Judges Nadia and Ismael are here to motivate you and offer words of encouragement to anyone considering applying.

Submit your 2-minute BSL poetry video on the theme “What I hope for the future of BSL” by 28 April at bda.org.uk/poet-laureate

✨ Join us for the BSL Conference 2025 – "Us. Here. Now. Always." ✨

With a packed programme of inspiring presentations, engaging workshops, and special 135th anniversary celebrations, this is your chance to be part of history!

🎟️ Get your tickets now at bslconference.org.uk

#BSLConference2025

Press Release: BDA Publishes Discussion Paper on Artificial Intelligence and British Sign Language

You can access the full press release and Discussion Paper in both English and BSL here: bda.org.uk/discussion-p...

Have you gotten your BSL Conference 2025 tickets yet?

Don’t miss out on presentations from Dr. Kate Rowley, Jeff McWhinney, Dr. Dai O’Brien, and many more!

17–18 July 2025 | 📍 The Queens Hotel, Leeds
Get your tickets now at bslconference.org.uk

#BSLConference2025

BDA Statement on the Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits and Access to Work The British Deaf Association is deeply alarmed and outraged by the potential cuts to Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Access to Work

The BDA is deeply alarmed by proposed cuts to DLA, PIP & Access to Work. These are not luxuries—they're lifelines. Without them, Deaf & disabled people face poverty & isolation. We refuse to be silent.

Read our full statement: bda.org.uk/bda-statemen...

Today at the Houses of Parliament, we’re inviting MPs to learn about BSL & Deaf culture. Later, for the first time, Parliament will debate BSL as a language, not just access to services. A major moment for BSL during #SLW2025. We look forward to real progress.

🔗 signlanguageweek.org.uk

#SLW2025

Happy Sign Language Week! 🎉

Sign Language is more than words—it’s culture, history & belonging.

Get involved:
🔹 Go Blue! Fundraise with our pack: signlanguageweek.org.uk
🔹 Donate to Loss to Found & support deaf children
🔹 Share your story with #SLW2025

Sign Language Week is taking place from 17-23 March! If you're planning a fundraising event, we’ve put together a fundraising pack filled with creative ideas, decorations, and activities to set you up for success.

Download your pack and learn how to get involved at signlanguageweek.org.uk

#SLW2025

We're about to launch our first fundraising appeal during Sign Language Week, #LossToFound, raising funds to bring BSL into the homes of families with deaf children and raise awareness of its vital role in Deaf lives.

Visit signlanguageweek.org.uk/losstofound

🎉 Free Corporate BSL Lessons for Sign Language Week! 🎉

Learn BSL for your workplace with the BDA! 🙌 Join us 17–23 March 2025 & be part of our inclusivity push. Last year, 1,200 joined—let’s top that! Flexible slots available.

Sign up: signlanguageweek.org.uk/company-bsl

#SLW2025 #BlueOutForBSL

Hamilton Lodge calls off closure: This is really good news for the pupils at Hamilton Lodge and their families. It also sends a signal to the rest of the education system that the availability of BSL-medium education is critically important to many families.