Christmas creativity at Deaf Hub Wales – in conversation with Heather Williams

During December 2022, Y Lab and the Deaf Hub Wales organised two creative sessions for the Deaf community. A total of 22 participants took part in making macrame Christmas trees and bauble decorations. Participants learned how to make different knots and assemble their craft. The sessions were delivered by Heather Williams through the medium of British Sign Language (BSL) and with the assistance of a BSL interpreter. We asked Heather Williams more about the session:

How did you decide on these two forms of craft?

As it was nearing Christmas at the time I felt it was an opportunity to create Christmas crafts so that people can take home and hang it up in their home. I chose macrame as deaf people will not have had the opportunity to have been taught in this medium. I also chose it as it is a nice repetitive craft to do and this gives people the skill to make further decorations.

Why is it important for creative activities to be delivered through the medium of BSL?

It is so important to be able to receive instructions in our first/preferred language of BSL and for the tutor to understand the cultural aspects of teaching deaf people to be able to teach in a visual and demonstrative manner.