20 March 2006
BT has launched a campaign in sign language aimed at making deaf people more aware of the benefits of broadband.
The company says that 50,000 people in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language, but are often limited to using it face to face.
It argues that broadband offers the opportunity to use web cams and video streaming to communicate with people through the internet and now hopes to make people more aware of these capabilities.
BSL communication company SignPost has developed the campaign guide on behalf of BT.
Malcolm Wright, managing director of SignPost, said: "Broadband opens up endless opportunities for the deaf community. Without it we cannot deliver inclusion for deaf people."
Fiona Miller, national manager for BT age and disability action, added: "Deaf people can feel very isolated, and the introduction of broadband allows BSL users to communicate with friends and family and other signers at a distance; breaking down geographical barriers.
"With long waiting lists for sign language classes, it also gives those learning BSL an opportunity to participate in online signing courses, and view other websites, such as the Deaf Council, or British Deaf Association, which provide information in BSL."
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