Learning sign language can be fun and useful. Whether you’re a parent, a GP receptionist, a young person with a new Deaf friend, or you dream of becoming a BSL interpreter, our list will help you on your learning journey!
Most of the resources in our list are created by native Deaf signers. Learning from people who use sign language every day is key to learning the basics that help conversation flow.
If you need to practise signing, there are Deaf events in and around Milton Keynes that welcome learners. Have a look on our socials and Deaf Clubs pages for more details.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy learning BSL!
BSL resources for beginners
Apps:
Bright BSL: Karen and Andrew created this app to help parents, teachers and anyone who wants to make the world more inclusive. The app is available on Google and Apple. You can do a free trial and then subscribe (currently around £12 month). Alternatively, you can access the free BSL glossary on the website. The app uses a similar gamified experience to Duolingo to keep you motivated.
Lingvano: The app offers a free trial lesson, and then offers a subscription if you want to continue learning. The current subscription is around £10 per month.
Kids books:
My first signs
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Can Bears Ski?
Proud to be Deaf
BSL books for adult learners:
The Let’s Sign books are a firm favourite for most BSL learners. The BSL dictionary has signs plus explanations of how to create the sign. You’re guaranteed to see at least one of these books in any BSL Level 1 course (because it’s really helpful!).
BSL Websites:
Twinkl: this site offers lots of educational resources that can be printed. Some resources are free and some are paid. Their resources include topic specific posters and flash cards. Topics include: colours, numbers, alphabet, emotions and food and drink.
Self study (online) BSL courses:
Dot Sign Language have a free resource that teaches Deaf culture and basic signs for meeting new people, numbers, weather and a few other topics.
Doncaster Deaf Trust: They have a free BSL course funded by the National Lottery. The course follows the BSL Level 1 curriculum.
BSL resources for intermediate learners
Apps:
we all get stuck for a sign now and again. The website/ app Signbsl is really useful.
Books:
Websites:
Accessbsl is good for receptive videos
Resources for Advanced learners:
Books
If you want to learn more about Deaf culture and the linguistics of BSL, these are the books we recommend:
Understanding Deaf Culture by Paddy Ladd
Inside Deaf Culture by Carol Padden & Tom. L .Humphries
Seeing voices by Oliver Sacks
Sign Language: the study of deaf people and their language by J.G.Kyle and B.Woll
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bsl
Websites:
Signworldlearn has fingerspelling games, BSL stories,
Lumo TV
Youtube channels that help with learning BSL:
Commanding Hands
Access BSL has a collection of videos for beginners and intermediate learners. the videos help with receptive skills.
Deaf child support:
Are you caring for a deaf child? Did you know that you can learn BSL for free? The National Deaf Childrens Society in association with the Royal Association for the Deaf are currently providing free sign language courses for care givers of deaf children.
Free BSL courses for families: RAD currently provide free courses to families with Deaf children. Check out their website for more details.
Learning BSL is great but it’s no good unless you use it! Have a look at the social page. There are lots of opportunities to meet members of the Deaf Community in and around Milton Keynes. You can also check out our Facebook page for the latest events happening.