Frequently Asked Questions
Deaf Awareness Training Course FAQ's
What Is BSL (British Sign Language)?
‘British Sign Language (BSL) is the preferred language of over 87,000 Deaf people in the UK for whom English may be a second or third language (A total of 151,000 individuals in the UK who can use BSL – this figure does not include professional BSL users, Interpreters, Translators, etc unless they use BSL at home).’
What is Deaf awareness training?
Deaf awareness training helps people understand how to communicate effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It explores Deaf culture, etiquette, communication barriers, and practical ways to make interactions more inclusive. At Study Sharpe, our sessions build confidence and empathy, helping participants create accessible environments at work and in everyday life.
Who is the training for?
Our Deaf awareness and BSL training is suitable for anyone who wants to improve communication with Deaf or hard-of-hearing people. We work with individuals, small businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and large organisations. Courses can be adapted to suit your role, experience, or workplace needs.
What’s the difference between Deaf awareness training and BSL training?
Deaf awareness training focuses on understanding the Deaf community, effective communication, and removing barriers. BSL training, on the other hand, teaches you British Sign Language itself – the grammar, signs, and expressions used by Deaf people. Many clients start with Deaf awareness before progressing to a BSL course.
Why choose a Signature Accredited Course?
Who is Signature?
Signature is a national charity and are also the leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK. They have been awarding British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications for the last 40 years and have supported more than 450,000 people to learn BSL.
What is a Signature accredited course?
A Signature accredited course is a course that is certified and authentic in entity. Signature’s qualifications are nationally recognised and regulated by Ofqual (the office of the qualifications and Examination’s regulator). This means that these qualifications reliably indicate the knowledge, skills and understanding needed by learners and that they have demonstrated through the assessment process what has been achieved. This gives potential learners the confidence in the qualifications undertaken.
How does becoming a Signature approved centre work?
To become a Signature approved centre and to deliver Signature qualifications, potential centres must undergo a strict, formal approval process. Each potential centre teacher that applies, must be able to demonstrate to Signature that they hold relevant teaching qualifications, professional experience in the subject they wish to teach and the relevant BSL qualifications to a higher level than that which they wish to deliver. Other specialist higher level qualifications in teaching practice are also highly recommended and desirable.
Signature regulate their qualifications and this formal approval process maintains this ethos.
Approved Centre’s processes during assessments are regularly checked for Quality Assurance purposes, to ensure that centres are adhering to all Signature Assessment guidelines, and that no learners are treated less favourably than others during the process. This ultimately means that every learner’s experience is of the highest quality.
Who would benefit from Signature approved courses?
The learner is at the heart of all we do here at Study Sharpe.
All learners undertaking a Signature qualification with us will be guaranteeing they will not only receive teaching expertise that is endorsed by Signature, but they will also gain a qualification that will be recognised by employers and industries alike.
Last but by no means least and perhaps the most important reason for undertaking Signature qualifications with us, is that you will be able to join the growing number of people in the UK who can communicate with a D/deaf BSL user. Through our courses, you will become more Deaf Aware in the process, understand more about the Deaf Community and their rich heritage and Culture, thereby raising awareness to other people and sharing the benefits to all of learning BSL.
So why not start your exciting BSL journey with us today?
Is the training accredited, and will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants receive a Study Sharpe certificate of completion, and certain BSL courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Certificates are ideal for CPD portfolios or demonstrating inclusion training within your organisation.
What Solutions Does Deaf Awareness Training Offer?
The solutions that Deaf Awareness training offers are:
- Create an inclusive and accessible business which will protect your reputation and increase its value
- Ensure that the business culture is one of diversity and inclusion
- Protection against legal action and tribunals
- Open opportunities to employee workers from a larger pool of talent
- Protect your business reputation against negative reviews or comments in local/national press, online forums and on social media.
By Engaging in the Access to Work scheme for D/deaf employees you can reduce the costs of enabling an inclusive and accessible workplace.
What is the benefit of Deaf Awareness Training for Businesses?
Why should we worry about Deaf Awareness Training?
- Are you a business without any Deaf Awareness?
- Are you making false claims about the your compliance with regards Deaf Awareness Understanding and Training?
- Are you at risk of complaints/legal action from D/deaf people who are accessing your services but not feeling included or having difficulty using your business?
In the current marketplace social media plays a large part in how our businesses are perceived both, internally and externally, and offers instant feedback to our services or products.
You could be at risk of:
- Failing to provide an accessible workplace to potential D/deaf employees.
- Hefty compensation costs
- Employee tribunals
- Negative reviews on Local/National news sites, public forums and through social media
- Negative reputation
Why is Deaf awareness important for all businesses?
Small, medium to large businesses all serve Deaf or hard-of-hearing customers. By training your team, you make your service more inclusive, enhance your reputation, and comply with equality standards – all while supporting your community.
How will this benefit individuals, our staff and organisation?
Training improves communication skills, customer satisfaction, and workplace relationships. It boosts confidence when interacting with Deaf customers or colleagues, enhances inclusivity, and strengthens your brand’s reputation for accessibility.
How much does the training cost?
Pricing depends on the course type, group size, and delivery method. We offer competitive rates for individuals and tailored packages for organisations. Get in touch for a personalised quote – we’ll ensure you get the best value for your needs.
How do I book or arrange a session?
Booking is simple – just contact us through the Study Sharpe website or email our team directly. We’ll discuss your needs, provide a quote, and agree a convenient date and delivery format.
What happens if we need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand plans can change. If you need to cancel or move your booking, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find a new date or alternative solution.
What support is available after the course?
We offer refresher sessions and progression options for those who want to continue learning BSL.
What topics are covered in Deaf awareness training?
Topics include types of hearing loss, Deaf culture, communication barriers, appropriate terminology, lipreading and facial expression, and basic sign language. We also cover practical tips to make workplaces and services more accessible.
How many participants can attend a session?
Group sizes vary depending on the training type. For the best experience, we recommend small to medium groups – typically between 6 and 15 participants. Larger groups can be accommodated with prior arrangement.
What will you learn?
You will learn a variety of topics; both theoretical and practical. We cover Deaf Awareness strategies, Deaf etiquette, British Sign Language basics as well as the main differences between hearing culture and Deaf culture.
Can the course be tailored to our organisation or sector?
Absolutely. We regularly adapt content for sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, leisure facilities, customer service, public services and construction. This ensures examples and scenarios are relevant to your team’s daily interactions.
How long does the training take?
Our Deaf awareness courses range from short, one-hour awareness sessions to full-day workshops. BSL courses may run over several weeks or terms depending on the level. We’ll recommend the best option based on your goals, schedule, and team size.
Can you run shorter taster sessions?
Yes – we offer introductory workshops and taster sessions for teams who want an overview before committing to full training. These short sessions are ideal for awareness days or diversity events.
Can the training be delivered online or in-person?
Yes – we offer both! You can choose from in-person workshops, live online sessions via Zoom or Teams, or a blended learning approach. Our flexible options make it easy to train individuals or whole teams wherever they’re based.
Do I need any prior knowledge or experience?
No experience is required – our courses are designed for beginners. We’ll guide you through the basics of Deaf culture, communication techniques, and simple BSL signs in an enjoyable, supportive environment.
Will this help us comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the BSL Act 2022?
Yes. Deaf awareness training supports compliance with both the Equality Act and the BSL Act 2022 by helping businesses remove barriers for people with disabilities. It also demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
How experienced are your trainers?
All Study Sharpe trainers are qualified and experienced professionals with strong connections to the Deaf community. They combine lived experience and professional expertise to deliver engaging, meaningful training.
What kinds of jobs or industries benefit most from BSL and Deaf awareness training?
Any role involving customer service or teamwork can benefit – from healthcare, education to retail, hospitality, leisure facilities, construction and public services. Inclusive communication skills are valuable everywhere, helping staff build trust and confidence with everyone they meet.
If your sector is not listed here, please do get in contact, and we will be happy to tailor any training to your service needs!