want to learn British Sign Language in Chester area - help please :)

loveangel88

Im deaf since birth, i use lip reading and speech to communicate, however im getting to the age where id like to learn BSL. i have picked up a few signs from my deaf brother & sister (they use BSL/Speech/LipReading) and id like to be able to communicate more and be more involved in the deaf community, but i have no idea where to start?
Are the courses free if you are deaf??
ive looked on the local college website, cant seem to find anything but i know they do BSL courses as my mum did her level 1 and 2 at college

dmg24

Here you go, this may be what you are looking for.

It does not appear to say whether the course is eligible for a fee exemption, but if it is, they are usually available if you are on means tested benefits.

Oldernotwiser

The BSL courses are listed under leisure courses so you'll probably find that you have to pay fees unfortunately, although you may well get a discount if you're on means tested benefits.

loveangel88

brilliant thanks DMG i spent ages on the west cheshire website, just couldnt find anything to do with starter courses. i will be loooking into doing that, thanks

jennie-jack

i did bsl level 1 at college and got a discount on the course just had to pay for the exams.

jj

Oldernotwiser

jennie-jack wrote: »

i did bsl level 1 at college and got a discount on the course just had to pay for the exams.

jj

That isn't usually the case when a course is designated as a leisure course.

loveangel88

Im looking into doing it as an evening course - my mum did level 1 over 1 year one evening a week for 2hrs, is this full or part time? I cant find anything on full time for the course eekk im in the middle of moving house atm so i havent got time just yet to go west cheshire college

kettlefish

I did BSL 1 and it was free for people who were under 18, receiving JSA or IS, and those who were deaf. This was about 3 years ago in East Midlands area