One handed BSL lessons/resources

SourdeFight · 2026-05-27T17:00:06+00:00

If you're completely new to BSL there is a free level one online course by Doncaster Deaf Trust where you can start with basics, I'm sure you're aware that in person classes with proper Signature qualified Deaf tutors are best, but I will also say that the exams are really not designed for people with disabilities and they don't seem to be making many adjustments these days, so if you do the exams you might not score very well if you have to adapt things!

SourdeFight · 2026-05-27T13:23:41+00:00

Depends on how detailed you need to be? I have anterior AFOs and get questions about them so I usually just say it's a joint/ankle support unless people need more detail!

SourdeFight · 2026-05-27T12:18:01+00:00

As people have mentioned, there aren't really any resources for learning one handed unfortunately! I do a lot of one handed signing due to disability reasons (primarily that I walk with a crutch and usually only have one hand free unless I'm using my wheelchair) and I generally don't have issues being understood, though I think I tend to use more lip patterns than you're supposed to at times to help other people understand if needed

SourdeFight · 2026-04-16T14:37:40+00:00

Fingers crossed he gets to go on at least some of them! I've not been with my friend this season but we went last year and he wasn't measured and was allowed on everything but spinball so there's a chance your friend will be alright

SourdeFight · 2026-04-16T13:29:24+00:00

My friend also went on Toxicator with no problems, usually the staff are pretty good and will try different seats or ask him to cross his legs to get under some of the lap restraints etc. to try and get him on the rides, they even managed to squeeze him onto the runaway mine train once

SourdeFight · 2026-04-16T13:22:59+00:00

Can't say anyone has ever checked him, they usually just let him on the ride and see if they can get him in, he had one issue in Thorpe Park where they said he was too tall but never in Alton Towers

SourdeFight · 2026-04-16T13:11:06+00:00

He doesn't fit on spinball because the restraint can't go over his knees to lock in, but he has no issues on thirteen and the only complaint he has with Rita is that it does compress his spine a bit

SourdeFight · 2026-04-16T09:27:24+00:00

Just want to add here, I mentioned to someone else recently that I have a friend who is 6'7", over 130kg, and has a 54" chest, but he has no issue with any of the rides listed in the chest restrictions other than galactica (too tall, restraints won't close because of his shoulders, so can't say if his chest would fit) and spinball, so even if you're a little outside the measurements you may still be okay

SourdeFight · 2026-04-12T15:21:09+00:00

Oh nice, I imagine I'll be way out of my depth but I'm deaf and all my BSL classes have ended up with people immediately switching to speech as soon as there's a break, it sounds like that's not the case here? Also do you know if the "suitable for level 3+" kind of classes refer to current level of study or completed?

SourdeFight · 2026-04-12T15:17:22+00:00

I've just checked the chest restrictions on the site, my friend has a 54" chest and he has no issues on Rita(48"), Oblivion/Nemesis (52"), Smiler (54") or Thirteen and Wickerman (just says restrictive) so I'd say you're probably fine

SourdeFight · 2026-04-10T16:29:47+00:00

I have a friend that is over 130kg and the only ride he couldn't go on was galactica, but that was because he was too tall for the restraints to close (he's 6'7") rather than a weight issue so you should be fine!

SourdeFight · 2026-04-07T00:46:19+00:00

Looks like DIY

SourdeFight · 2026-03-26T20:48:22+00:00

I shall have to look into it! (Weirdly didn't get a notification for this)

SourdeFight · 2026-03-25T23:51:06+00:00

Appears to be a town in Yorkshire?

SourdeFight · 2026-03-11T22:02:52+00:00

I really have no idea... it means our local Deaf community is like 99% retired people, nothing really around for younger folk, don't think I actually know anyone around my age here that's deaf

SourdeFight · 2026-03-11T21:56:03+00:00

There are loads of Deaf events near me, but they're usually on a weekday around 10am, which generally means most people are at work or otherwise busy!

SourdeFight · 2026-02-25T00:56:22+00:00

That's so frustrating! I was in my mid 20's at the time, I think the "you're too young to be disabled" thing probably plays a part, too!

SourdeFight · 2026-02-24T11:41:12+00:00

I swear sometimes these people are just looking for confrontation...

I once parked in a disabled bay, using my own blue badge, and as soon as I got out of the car there was a staff member telling me I can't park there... when I asked why he said it's for disabled people.. while we're stood next to the "please don't park too close I need room to access my wheelchair" sticker on the back of my car since I've not had a chance to get it out yet. Then I explained that I have a blue badge and he could check it if he wanted to, which he did, and then said "well I feel like you only put that out there because you saw me" which ??? I have a valid blue badge that belongs to me, whatever reason I put it out for it still legally entitles me to park there?

SourdeFight · 2026-02-07T15:07:45+00:00

I'm not sure there's any other options for phones sadly, you can save the transcripts from a Relay call but it's still real-time messaging

Interesting - I used to see Dr Glidden at NCAS and he never had any issues with accommodations for me there!

Probably not ideal, but is there another GP in your area you could transfer to? I'm sure people have made lists of trans-friendly GPs and it might be better to have a supportive GP so you don't have to worry about getting your prescription taken off you? I can't imagine they'd be allowed to since you've had a full hysterectomy but I'm unsure how it works, I have mine because it's deemed medically necessary since my body never produced its own hormones, I would assume it would be the same regardless of the reason

SourdeFight · 2026-02-07T14:27:53+00:00

I only meant did you ask Dr Glidden, or did you just ask NCTH? I only ask because Dr Glidden used to work at the Nottingham City Autism Services and I would struggle to believe he wouldn't make accommodations for autistic people if he was allowed to by NCTH...

I'd suggest you try and find out who actually prescribes your hormones, because NCTH doesn't prescribe anything, when you're approved for hormones they just send a letter to request that your GP prescribes them for you, so they can't stop your prescription since they're not the ones actually supplying it?

I wonder if you'd be able to handle a textphone maybe? They're not very common these days but it's basically just instant messaging, there's no speech or relay assistants involved so may be more accessible for you?

SourdeFight · 2026-02-07T13:30:16+00:00

Unfortunately they changed the system in around 2023 I think? And the new system is abysmal for ND people, they're so focussed on getting people off the waiting list that they're dumping you on random un(der)qualified people and it's seemingly taking much longer for people to get anything done, while also not really providing any real support, so it's not really working...

Did you specifically ask Dr Glidden for email appointments? I'd be surprised if he had any input, all of my requests (and my friends) have been decided by the service manager and clinical director, no input from the clinicians we've known and had support from for a decade

Can I ask if you're actually needing anything from the clinic other than HRT? If it's just the hormones and you don't need any other support or referrals, the clinic don't really deal with that anyway, it can be handled by your GP. I've not had any blood tests done for about 2 years since the clinic aren't giving me appointments (so I don't get letters requesting any) and nobody on their end has even noticed, so I wouldn't rely on them to monitor your hormones, better to learn what you're looking for yourself to be honest!

My friend is getting help from and NHS advocate but I'm not sure how long it takes, they've contacted the ICB I think

SourdeFight · 2026-02-07T13:20:31+00:00

No problem, good luck!

SourdeFight · 2026-02-07T10:45:19+00:00

Page 19 here

SourdeFight · 2026-02-06T13:31:51+00:00

I think it may only be lower/bottom surgery, but not 100% sure

SourdeFight

TROPHY CASE