1 week Ago
Teachers who have spent more than 20 years at a school want deaf pupils to “feel pride” in sign language. Sam Caiels, a deaf studies teacher and British Sign Language coordinator, and Hilary Dumbrill, a speech and language therapist, have both worked at Hamilton Lodge in Brighton for over two decades. Passionate about highlighting the importance of sign language, the teachers have been running a series of activities to mark Sign Language Week, which runs from March 17 to 23.
Sam Caiels said: “'We all communicate using sign language at school, but outside of school, many of our students face barriers communicating with others. “Our activities this week are an opportunity for students to celebrate pride in their language and deaf culture and to teach others.” Hamilton Lodge has educated and cared for deaf children for over 75 years (Image: Supplied) The teachers want to encourage people to “consider learning more signs and making sign language users feel included”.
Staff and pupils from Hamilton Lodge have been out in the local community all week, putting up posters, talking about sign language and teaching people how to sign some basic greetings. Back in September 2024 it was announced the school would close on August 31 2025 due to the decline in pupil numbers over time. More than 10,000 people signed a petition protesting the closure.
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