In recognition of International Week of Deaf People (21st – 27th September), London’s largest adult education college, City Lit, is highlighting its work in the deaf education space.
City Lit has been championing Deaf education for over 100 years, beginning with lipreading classes for deafened soldiers returning from the First World War. Over the years, it has grown to become internationally renowned for its specialist provision.
The college is home to the Centre for Deaf Education, a welcoming place for Deaf refugees and asylum seekers, which also supports London’s wider Deaf community and is the largest centre of its kind in Europe. Some Deaf students are taught classes such as English, Maths or Digital Skills using British Sign Language (BSL), giving them the opportunity to learn in their own language, with others taking part in classes to learn BSL alongside other courses on offer. BSL courses are also popular with hearing students eager to expand their communication skills. In 2024, the centre was honoured with the prestigious Mayor of London Inclusive Provider of Adult Education award in recognition of its dedication to accessible education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
For 28 years, the college has also celebrated its own Deaf Day – a celebration of language, culture and community featuring special guests, art exhibitions, taster sessions, talks and workshops.
The college also currently offers over fifty-five Centre for Deaf Education courses, including in-person classes at the state-of-the-art Covent Garden campus and interactive online courses, covering BSL, lip reading, Deaf history and more. The teaching staff is made up of both deaf and hearing professionals, all highly skilled in their own areas of specialist expertise.
Mark Hopkinson, Head of Centre for Deaf Education at City Lit, says:
“The Deaf community is an integral part of an inclusive and modern society, which is why environments where Deaf people, culture and language are recognised and celebrated remain essential to that shared future.
“The International Week of Deaf People is a wonderful opportunity to highlight Deaf education and celebrate the people and culture that surround it, while also encouraging people to think about the challenges faced by the Deaf community.
“Since our founding in 1919, we have been a place of welcome and opportunity, opening the doors of education to people from all walks of life.
“We look forward to continuing to celebrate diversity through deaf education, and working together to build a more compassionate and connected society.”
