Resources for Learning
Here is where you can find a list of (largely free) resources that I’ve found helpful for learning BSL. Not sponsored!
British Sign Language Dictionary
This is a GREAT easy-access website (they also have an app version!) that has loads of vocabulary if you’re stuck on a word and need to find it quickly – there’s a search function, and they contain signs from different regions, too! Although, I would recommend picking one region resource (for example, I always tend to use the sign given by The University of Bristol & Deaf Studies Trust) so you don’t end up using different signs from all over the place.
Signature
This whole website is really informative. Signature is the leading organisation for sign language qualifications and a national charity – here you can find all sorts of info, but I mostly use it for finding approved centres that offer Signature-certified BSL courses. I’ve just enrolled for my Level 4 BSL with Sign For Thoughts, starting in September 2026, and I found that centre using this website! They don’t just offer BSL, however, Signature can help you start in Irish Sign Language (ISL), Sign Language Interpreting and Translation, Deafblind communication, Deaf and Deafblind Awareness, and Communication support qualifications!
LumoTV
Formerly “The British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust”, Lumo is essentially Netflix but in sign language. It commissions television programmes that highlight the D/deaf and sign language communities. They were established in 2008, and remain the only sign language-based commissioning body in the world! Lumo (or, BSLBT, officially) are also a registered charity. Can’t sign? Don’t worry! All the programmes have an assortment of subtitles, too!
National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet Rania Sammour, who is Berkshire’s community connecter for NDCS. She’s such an amazing person and that really highlighted all the hard work that this charity puts in for the community. NDCS offers support for children with any level of hearing loss, and they raise awareness for the conditions that may cause hearing loss or deafness in children (EG. Meningitis or perinatal conditions). They run fundraising events pretty much all year round, and give families struggling through the journey of having a D/deaf child all the resources and support that they need. They were founded in 1944 and even do work internationally! Awareness is such a huge part of learning BSL that of course I had to mention them on this page.
BSL SignBank
SignBank is another resource for learning new signs, hosted by the University College London (UCL). They offer information on the Deaf community in the UK, quizzes to test your knowledge, and regional signing information for different places!
YouTube
Everyone knows YouTube, but I wanted to signpost (pun intended..?) to a few different channels that I watch to study and practise my BSL.
- Commanding Hands – very helpful for learning new signs, with an emphasis on making access to BSL learning free. They also have a website!
- Jazzy Whipps – the biggest Deaf youtuber in the UK! She does blogging and informational videos about her journey as a Deaf individual. While she uses sign language, Jazzy also offers subtitles on her videos.
- Hap & Stace – introduced to me by my BSL level 3 teacher, Hap & Stace offer a range of different songs translated into BSL. This is a super easy and fun way to learn from two professional users! Stacey also owns a Deaf Awareness company.
- Benny Ngo – Even though Benny mostly does his content creation on Instagram and TikTok nowadays, he also used to do blogging and other videos over on youtube! He’s featured often on Jazzy’s channel, and was even on Lumo’s recent show, “Hold my Hand”, episode 2! – Warning: this show is not suitable for people under the age of 18.
This page is constantly being updated so make sure to check back for more resources in the future! – James 🤟
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