Let me tell you what is a sign language week. It means to celebrate each year in March to coincide with the anniversary of the recognition of Sign Language by the British Government in 2003.
I used to sign language back in Nigeria to communicate with my family but only my sister because she knew how to sign. We communicated with each other through my family and school. I stopped signing after I got a cochlear implant because I was told that I had to focus on hearing and use my voice.
Back in my college, it got me thinking that I wanted to learn British sign language, not only because it was for my interest. But it's because I wanted to communicate with my deaf friend and of course, other deaf people.
I know that British sign language and especially other countries are the type of language to speak. But with sign language, it's for communicating.
Think about how do deaf people communicating with family members, friends, colleagues, classmates, teachers/lecturers, and staff from eg. shops, cafes.
Deaf people do feel left out when it comes to family and friends to chat including events like Christmas dinner, meetings etc. I have been there with my friends from high school and, I tried my best to understand, but It was quite difficult.
Sign language is all about communicating with deaf people. Involve them to discuss anything, like anything at all. We don't want deaf people to leave out.
Deaf people are communicating not just with other deaf people, they also have a conversation with hearing people. Why? Make friends, order food, have a chat, make an appointment, ask questions about schools, work, discuss with the doctors/nurses and more.
Sign language is for not just deaf people, it's for everyone, hearing people, deaf people.