Sign Language Week 2026 takes place from 16 to 22 March.
The theme this year is United in Sign, celebrating sign languages and the communities who use them.
For many Deaf people, sign language is an important part of identity, culture and community. The week is a chance to recognise this and encourage more people to learn and support sign languages. Even learning a few simple signs can help make communication more inclusive.
What is British Sign Language (BSL)?Â
British Sign Language (BSL) is the first or preferred language of around 70,000 Deaf people in the UK.
It is a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body movement to communicate. Like spoken languages, sign languages develop naturally within communities and vary from country to country, and even between regions.
BSL was officially recognised as a language in the UK in March 2003.
Learning BSL
If you would like to start learning some signs, these resources are a good place to begin:
- Spell your name in BSL – Sense
- Commanding Hands on YouTube shares beginner friendly BSL videos, including:
100 Basic Signs in British Sign Language (BSL)Â
Our services for Deaf BSL users
Our Deaf Wellbeing Service
A Deaf led programme bringing BSL users together for friendship, social connection and wellbeing support.
Deaf-led counselling
Six free one hour sessions for Deaf BSL users, delivered online in BSL or in person with a Deaf counsellor.
Training for organisationsÂ
Fully funded Deaf Awareness course for local wellbeing organisationsÂ
We are running a fully funded Deaf Awareness course for local wellbeing organisations.
Date: Tuesday 21 April
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Disability Together, Cranmere Court, Exeter
For Deaf Awareness Training for other organisations, or for dates after 21 April, our Business Services Deaf Awareness Training pages have more details.
Sign Language Week is a good opportunity to learn more about sign languages and the communities who use them. Even learning a few signs or sharing resources can help raise awareness and make communication easier.
