UK charity launches QR code-enabled BSL memory game to expand sign language learning amid teacher shortage

The Sound Waves Foundation, a UK-based charity, has launched a British Sign Language (BSL) memory card game, aiming to make sign language learning more accessible as demand for its afterschool BSL clubs continues to grow.

The game, which costs £12.99, is available through the charity’s website and is designed to help both hearing and deaf children learn everyday signs through interactive play.

The launch comes as the charity faces a shortage of qualified BSL teachers in the UK, which is stalling the expansion of its popular afterschool BSL clubs.

Game designed to support learning at home

The BSL memory card game includes simple instructions for signing everyday words, a QR code linking to video demonstrations, and requires no prior knowledge of sign language. The game has been used as part of Sound Waves’ afterschool clubs and is now being made available for families and schools to use at home.

Proceeds from sales will fund further BSL classes, helping to maintain access while the charity searches for more qualified teachers. Retailers in the UK interested in stocking the game are invited to contact Sound Waves to help improve accessibility.

BSL clubs face expansion challenges in the UK

Sound Waves launched its afterschool BSL clubs in 2023, targeting primary school-aged children across the UK. The program has seen significant demand, with 95% of attendees being hearing children. However, a shortage of BSL teachers has prevented further expansion.

Silvie Koanda, Co-founder of Sound Waves Foundation, said the charity is working to make BSL more accessible despite the staffing challenges:

“I didn’t want my kids to grow up feeling like their deafness is an obstacle or makes their lives less than a hearing person. But that is often how deafness is portrayed. We started Sound Waves Foundation to promote a positive outlook around deafness, and to find and implement practical things, like our BSL afterschool clubs, that increase inclusivity and accessibility for children and adults.”

Koanda noted that BSL can benefit all children, not just those who are deaf:

“We believe, and have seen through our clubs, that everyone can benefit from learning a different kind of language. Hearing kids who are shy and don’t like to use their voice are highly engaged in our clubs, noisy kids enjoy signing to their friends across the playground, and kids who struggle to learn a verbal language like French or Spanish gain confidence when they find that they can learn a visual language.”

Call for BSL teachers in the UK

To continue meeting demand, the charity is seeking qualified BSL teachers across the UK. Teachers interested in joining can sign up via www.soundwavesfoundation.org.

Koanda highlighted the broader impact of BSL education:

“By tapping into the enthusiasm of young kids to learn BSL we are also making it easier for them to include their deaf classmates in their social activities. Seeing the fun kids have taking part in our clubs and hearing how it impacts their lives beyond the classroom is wonderful. Our dream is to bring that impact to more communities nationwide.”