Being able to step in and help a Deaf person communicate isn't the only reason to learn British Sign Language (BSL). Imagine being able to understand other people across a noisy bar, through a window or across a car park.

Disability charity D4 is aiming to encourage as many people as possible across Devon to learn some basic sign language during Deaf Awareness Week (4th-10th May 2009).

The charity is holding a range of short courses in Plymouth and Exeter throughout April and May at a variety of times suitable for those who work and those who prefer daytime courses.

Diana Crump from D4 said, "Our BSL courses remain popular with a wide variety of people including business who need to improve their accessibility and individuals who want to find out more about BSL but don't want to commit to a whole year of study. If everyone had some basic BSL then Deaf people would not actually be disabled anymore."

Supported by over one hundred deaf charities and organisations under the umbrella of the UK Council of Deafness, Deaf Awareness Week invovles a UK-wide series of national and local events.

One day Deaf Awareness Training:

Tuesday 5th May 2009
Wednesday 6th May 2009
Friday 8th May 2009
10am - 3:30pm at D4 which is based at Living Options Devon, Isca House, Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8DS.

Thursday 7th May 2009
10am - 3:30pm at Plymouth Deaf Association, Blake Lodge, Seymour Road, Plymouth, PL3 5AS.

These courses cost £70.

There are also three six-week BSL taster courses:

Tuesday evenings running from 28th April until 2nd June 2009 at the Plymouth Deaf Club between 7 and 9pm.

Tuesday mornings from 21st April until 26th May 2009 at Isca House, Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8DS between 10:30am and 12:30pm.

Wednesday evenings from 13th May until 17th June 2009 at Isca House, Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8DS between 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

These courses cost £65.

To book a place, please phone 01392 459222 or email info@livingoptions.org

For further information please go to the D4 website.