Family BSL course

Would your family benefit from learning sign language?

Our funded Family BSL courses are an inclusive and multi-generational way to learn BSL. Taught by experienced deaf tutors, you will learn enough vocabulary and grammar to have basic conversations, identify and understand everyday signs and create a strong foundation for future learning.

The aim of these classes is not only to teach BSL, but to strengthen communication and relationships within households containing a deaf young person, to encourage deaf young people and their families to develop deaf pride and to realise a positive deaf identity.

Who is eligible?

Deaf children between 0-7 years and their family members
You must live in the same household, and live in Scotland

Course content

The BSL family course will cover:

An introduction to British Sign Language
Deaf awareness
BSL storytelling
BSL games

A big thank you

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the families, parents, and toddlers who took part in our recent fundraising efforts. Your dedication and generosity have directly helped us provide funding for our 2026 Family BSL courses.

Thanks to your support, more families will have the opportunity to learn BSL together and strengthen communication in a fun, accessible, and inclusive environment.

Our courses are all taught by qualified deaf tutors, so you’ll be learning from people who use BSL as their native language.

Course details

We will be running BSL family courses suitable for beginners and people with some knowledge of signing. Our courses are taking place in-person, in Edinburgh, and online.

Cost: Free to deaf young people and their families, thanks to our supporters and funders.

Edinburgh (online and in-person)
Course dates: 5th February to 28th March 2026
Time: Saturday afternoon 11am-12:30pm (in person) + Thursday evening 6pm-7:30pm (online)
Location:49 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY

Course timetable:

February
Online (Zoom)
Thursday 5th February from 6pm to 7.30pm
Thursday 19th February from 6pm to 7.30pm

In-person
Saturday 14th February from 11am to 12.30pm
Saturday 28th February from 11am to 12.30pm

March
Online (Zoom)
Thursday 5th March from 6pm to 7.30pm
Thursday 19th March from 6pm to 7.30pm

In-person
Saturday 14th March from 11am to 12.30pm
Saturday 28th March from 11am to 12.30pm

To register for the course please complete the form below.

Booking form

Family BSL registration

I would like to attend

Edinburgh, online and in-person, 5th February to 28th March 2026

Family name *

Primary contact name *

Primary contact's email address *

Primary contact's mobile phone number *

Relationship to deaf child/young person * Relationship to deaf child/young person

Name of deaf child/young person *

Deaf child/young person's age *

Is the deaf child/young person already a member of Deaf Action's youth club? *

Yes

Which course are you interested in? *

Family BSL classes

Other family members who will attend (within your own household only)

Name

Relationship to deaf* child/young person Relationship to deaf* child/young person

Age

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Does anyone who will be attending have a disability, access requirement or specific learning requirements that you would like the tutor to know about?

Deaf Action will never share your personal or contact information with any 3rd parties. We employ strict data protection processes which are fully compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR legislation.

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