British Sign Language or BSL is a language in its own right, with its own word order and grammar. It uses hand signs and facial expressions as a visual form of communication.
It is often used by members of the deaf community, but some people who are deafblind use it as well, and it is particularly commonly used by people with Usher syndrome.
Because of their restricted vision, some people with Usher will adapt British Sign Language in two ways:
Visual frame signing – this is where someone using BSL will sign within the visual field of the person with Usher syndrome (who has tunnel vision) so that they can see it.
Hands on signing - some people may use tactile or ‘hands on’ signing by placing their hands over the hands of the signer, so that they can feel the signs being used. People with Usher Syndrome may learn this form of communication as their sight reduces.
