Deaf Awareness Training and British Sign Language for the Welsh Screen Sector

Course Details

According to RNID, in Wales, there are around 575,500 deaf and hard of hearing people, with an estimated 7,200 using British Sign Language (BSL) as their preferred language.

Media Cymru is offering an intensive, IN-PERSON, 3-session training course in British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf awareness, designed to equip screen sector practitioners with the essential BSL skills and awareness they need to communicate with deaf and/or hard of hearing cast, crew and contributors whilst working on productions.

Attendees will learn BSL basics through new resources developed in collaboration with Deaf Friendly tailored especially for the screen sector environment.

Each of the three sessions will be trainer-led, with fun and informal practice and will always have a trainer and interpreter present for support.

The training also enhances visual communication skills which are vital in the creative industries. But also, so often critical on location, on set and in studio, where silence (off camera) is golden.

This course is being delivered by Deaf Friendly and funded by Media Cymru.

Key Benefits:

• Delivered by local deaf professionals with media experience and expertise
• Hands-on and repeated immersive learning
• Aligns with equality, diversity and inclusion goals
• Helps productions – and people – become more accessible and inclusive.

Follow on Support

Progression routes include e-learning and formal BSL qualifications offered through Deaf Friendly’s sister company, Premier BSL Ltd.

We believe the screen sector has a unique opportunity to lead the way in normalising and championing deafness and improving accessibility. Moreover, foster a more inclusive, visually aware and welcoming working culture.

BSL is more than just a language – it’s about building confidence and connection in everyday life.

Course Tutor

This course will be delivered by Sarah Lawrence, a respected Wales-based deaf professional, with over 30 years’ experience.  Sarah specialises in BSL and Deaf Awareness training.   And has extensive experience in TV & Film, having worked on shows like Dr Who, Casualty, Dope Girls and Falling. Sarah’s unique experience in TV as an in-vision BSL translator and interpreter adds significant authenticity to Deaf Friendly’s training support.

 

Course Structure

Week 1

Saturday 18 April 2026 (1000-1300)

Module 1:  Deaf Awareness Training

Focus:  Deaf culture, communication barriers, working with BSL interpreters, access to work

By the end of the session participants will:

• Increase their awareness of the history and culture of the deaf community
• Develop an understanding of different types of hearing loss and the challenges deaf people experience
• Recognise the importance of equal access and adopt strategies for good communication
• Learn how to book and work effectively with interpreters
• Be more familiar with Access to Work and how the system works
• Embrace more inclusive recruitment and working practices

Week 2

Saturday 25 April 2026 (1000 – 1800)

Module 2:  General Everyday BSL

Focus:  Basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, facial expressions, everyday communication

By the end of the session participants will:

• Have an overview of the BSL alphabet
• Be familiar with common greetings, introductions, pleasantries
• Be able to sign numbers, days, time, directions
• Identify common everyday fingerspelling and facial expressions
• Recognise everyday questions and local conversation structures

Week 3

Saturday 2 May 2026 (1000-1800)

Module 3:  Industry Specific BSL

Focus:  BSL Basics Revision, Media-specific signs, on-set communication, role-based signs, safety terms.

By the end of the session participants will:

• Understand and be confident in using some common film and television production related vocabulary and phrases.
• Be familiar with and champion safety and emergency signs
• Recognise and use directional and role-based signs
• Have first-hand experience of interactive workshops, practical roleplay scenarios, and some common film & tv production situations

Delivery Details

How this Works

This programme is fully funded by Media Cymru and is delivered in partnership with Deaf Friendly.

This intensive 3-session course will be delivered in person in CENTRAL CARDIFF, in a classroom and studio setting.

As this is a workshop style course, delivered in both a studio and classroom setting, there are a limited number of spaces available, to allow every participant the chance to ask questions, practice repeatedly and interact.

For this reason, attendance is capped at 24 people and places offered on a first-come first-served basis.

We have a travel fund to support anyone that is traveling from outside the Cardiff Capital region who need help with travel costs.

Who can apply? 

This course is open to any Welsh or Wales-based screen sector professional working – or actively seeking work – in the screen sector (Film, TV, Games, Animation, VFX, Post-production and Commercial).

This course is particularly relevant to anyone who is experiencing hearing loss themselves – or actively working with – or committed to working with – deaf or hard of hearing work colleagues, crew, cast and/or contributors.

No prior knowledge of BSL is required.

When and where? 

We ask that you ensure, you can commit to all the following in-person training dates, at a central Cardiff location:

• Saturday 18^th April, 1000-1300
• Saturday 25^th April, 1000-1800
• Saturday 2^nd May, 1000-1800

Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount.  Please only apply if you can commit to attending every session.

Application deadline 1200 Monday 16 March 2026

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 20 March 2026

Access and Accessibility

If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk

Any questions? 

If you have any questions, please contact:  media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk