Inspectas is supporting the British Deaf Association with a donation to fund courses in British Sign Language for adults and children.
The 40-strong compliance business is keen to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) training to enhance inclusive communication when visiting customers onsite.
Its support includes an initial £1k donation to the charity and a pledge to hold fundraising events.
Inspectas Accounts Manager Paula Candlish explains: “Our Bradford College business apprentice Faye Oxley identified a need for members of our team to learn British Sign Language (BSL) to overcome possible communication barriers when out visiting customers on site.
“Faye’s commitment to this endeavour saw her liaising directly with the British Deaf Association and we’ve already begun the first stages of introducing BSL with information on signage around our headquarters and staff attending an introductory BSL session during Sign Language Week in March.
“When you consider that just £10 could pay for the costs of a Deaf child to participate in socialising session with other Deaf children, our £1k donation should make a significant difference to the charity and its aims.”
The British Deaf Association campaigns for equal rights and promotes equality for Deaf people by collaborating with its members and stakeholders to influence governments.
It works to empower Deaf people and to improve access to general information and public services.
It was only three years ago that our language, British Sign Language, became law, as a language of Great Britain...
BDA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Mansell says: “The British Deaf Association are very grateful for the donation received from Inspectas.
It was only three years ago that our language, British Sign Language, became law, as a language of Great Britain and we are still campaigning for our sign language rights 135 years after sign language was banned in education.
The support of businesses and organisations like Inspectas is so important – not only for awareness of our campaigning, but also in helping to fund the resources we bring to the families and individuals who need our support.”
Alongside the donation, Inspectas business apprentice Faye Oxley is also leading the team on a series of fundraising activities.
She says: “I really am delighted that the need I identified has now led to us making a real difference to a charity which campaigns so tirelessly for the Deaf community and which actively encourages businesses like ours to learn BSL.
“I’m looking forward to championing the charity within Inspectas and to having the whole team onboard whether that’s learning BSL, baking, running or taking part in our upcoming mystery item sale to raise even more funds!”
