Other Languages
BSL is not the only language for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People. There are a few more and here is a selection.
Sign Supported English (SSE)
Some deaf people prefer to use SSE. SSE is a combination of signs from British Sign Language (BSL) together with English grammar. It is not a distinct language and the balance of English to BSL signs and features varies tremendously, depending on the linguistic skills and knowledge of the user.
There is no body for SSE that we can find on the web, but more information can be found on the RNID website: RNID/other communications
Cued Speech
Cued Speech is based on a simple hypothesis:
If all the essential sounds of our spoken language look clearly different from each other on the mouth of the speaker, even a completely deaf baby or child can learn language in much the same way as a hearing child but through vision rather than listening.
Cued Speech uses eight hand shapes in four positions near the mouth to clarify the lip patterns of normal speech.
You can learn more from their website: http://www.cuedspeech.co.uk
Makaton
Makaton uses signs and symbols to teach communication, language and literacy skills to people with communication and learning difficulties.
More information can be found on their website: www.makaton.org
Interpreters
There are quite a few organisations that provide interpretation services. As well as the RNID (see links above and on the links page), here are a selection. Please note, these links are provided as information, not as an endorsement as we haven't used them ourselves.
Atlas Atlas Translations.
LipSpeaker LipSpeaker Translations.
Clarion Clarion Translations.