Disabled Teen Offers Free Sign Language Lessons To Thousands Wanting To Learn During Lockdown

Tyrese Dibba is a 15-year-old student who has created a series of videos teaching British Sign Language (BSL) for free during the lockdown.

Dibba has Charge Syndrome, and is deaf and partially-sighted.

He wanted to share some of the things he's learned, and released videos along with Sense hoping to tackle loneliness and isolation among other people with disabilities.

“It's very important for more people to learn to sign, it will help the deaf community feel part of wider society," Dibba told the PA news agency.

“Sense want more people to learn to sign, so when they asked me to teach the lessons I was very happy. The lessons are free and they cover some of my favorite subjects, including food and holidays."

Thousands have signed up for the classes. People who sign up online will receive five videos over five days.

“BSL is the first language for hundreds of thousands of people who are deaf, and if more people are able to use it we can ensure that less people are left out, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation amongst disabled people," Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, said.

(Tyrese Dibba/handout)

“It's really fun to learn and an ideal time to learn, with so many of us stuck at home looking for new things to do," he continued.

Dibba had previously won awards for his work in the community.

And, the videos are helping thousands.

More than 7,000 people have signed up to receive the free video sessions, a number that Dibba described as "amazing."

“I want more people to learn to sign, so deaf people don't get excluded. You should be able to chat to someone, whatever their disability might be. After all, no one likes feeling left out," Dibba said.

Sign up for BSL classes at: www.sense.org.uk/sense-sign-school