Children set to take part in the UK's biggest Fingerspellathon this October

NDCS Press Release

Children and young people across the country are being encouraged to sign up for the UK’s biggest Fingerspellathon this October. The National Deaf Children’s Society expects more than 13,000 children to take part in its sixth Fingerspellathon, to help raise £38,000 of vital funds to support deaf children and young people.

All youngsters can get involved through their school or groups, such as Brownies and Scouts. The challenge involves learning to fingerspell words and phrases using the British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet.

Emma Watson, Community and Events Executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Fingerspellathon is fun and a great activity to help children learn about deafness. Nearly 90% of deaf children in England are taught in mainstream schools, and many often miss out on everyday conversations and playground games with their hearing friends.

“Parents can encourage their children’s teachers and group leaders to sign up to Fingerspellathon. The money raised will help the National Deaf Children’s Society fund events and provide vital support for deaf children and their families.”

Lisa Boden at Tarleton Community Primary School in Preston, which has signed up to take part in the fundraising challenge, said: “We are really looking forward to taking part this year as Fingerspellathon as it’s a great way to increase deaf awareness and empathy among children and teachers; we can’t wait to get started!”

The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and their families. Raising just £100 could allow a deaf child to borrow a radio aid to help them communicate better with teachers and friends, helping to prevent isolation in the classroom.

Fingerspellathon launches on 1 October 2014 and will run throughout the month. Schools and groups can register now and download a resources pack which includes a range of fun activities, word games and information to help them organise their event at www.ndcs.org.uk/fingerspell.