British Deaf Association

Duke Visits BSL Symposium

The British Deaf Association's patron, HRH The Duke of York, joined more than 180 people at The Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury in central London on 19th March for the first BDA BSL Symposium.

His Royal Highness was met by the BDA's Chairman Terry Riley and Trustee Agnes Dyab. He spoke briefly to delegates and a selection of representatives from the Deaf community. Among the subjects covered were variations of Sign Language, Business, Education and Sports. He then observed events in the main Hall before touring the exhibition stands at the Symposium.

At the end of his visit His Royal Highness met and answered questions from a group of deaf children from Oak Lodge School in London.

The BDA's aim for the day was to promote the idea of a BSL Alliance to bring together key organisations in an effort to strengthen the campaign for legal recognition of British Sign Language.

A series of workshops and case studies on various BSL issues were held throughout the day.

Don't miss the May issue of BDN for the full report.