The power of asking: how a Coleg Llandrillo student helped North Wales Police become more inclusive for the Deaf community

Paula Williams, from Flint, is currently a Level 4 BSL learner at the college's Rhos-on-Sea campus. Inspired by her studies and her personal experiences witnessing the day-to-day challenges faced by her close friends in the Deaf community, Paula decided it was time to stand up for change.

Collaborating with North Wales Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), her efforts have resulted in a BSL hub on the Office of the PCC website. The hub includes a BSL version of the Police and Crime Plan, making policing policies and crime fighting information more accessible to BSL users, and the Office of the PCC hopes to expand its BSL provision further as new information is published.

The drive to act came to Paula when hearing about the outdated communication methods still expected of the Deaf community.

“I know the daily barriers they have to try and overcome,” Paula explained. “Say somebody discovered a dropped purse in the street and wants to take it to the local police station. How are they going to communicate? Not everyone in the Deaf community reads and writes, or lipreads. For some, their first and only language is sign language. Passing notes over a counter is such an outdated system. I really want the Deaf community to feel valued, included, and to live an independent life.”

Studying both BSL and learning about the culture of the deaf community inspired Paula to do more. To help remove barriers the deaf community face daily.

Paula took the initiative to contact North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin. She emailed his office directly, asking if they could bridge the gap by using videos with information interpreted into BSL.

Paula has since then talked to many people across the police force and given examples of what’s missing and how access could be improved.

"I've only been talking to them since October," Paula said. "They’ve acted so quickly—I’m amazed and so thankful. They are even going above and beyond things I initially asked for to make a difference and bridge the gap with communication and access."

Following Paula’s initial requests, the Office of the PCC, led by its Scrutiny and Assurance team, has partnered with industry experts Sign Solutions to introduce accessibility upgrades.

One of the key changes is the BSL Hub on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website, which means BSL users can stay updated with a BSL version of the Police and Crime plan for North Wales.

PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “I value the input of members of the public, and sometimes it takes great people like Paula to come to us and ask why we aren’t doing something or tell us that we should offer a different or better service. It’s for all of us involved in public service to rise to the challenge and meet the expectations of residents. I hope this is the start of a much-improved provision of opportunity and access for the BSL community in North Wales from my office and the Force.”

Paula attributes her confidence to step forward to the support she receives from the Deaf Studies department at Coleg Llandrillo.

“I am so blessed to be taught the majority of my years of study here at Llandrillo College for British Sign Language by David Duller," Paula shared. "I have only gotten this far thanks to his expertise, wisdom, encouragement, and especially patience. The whole departmental team for Deaf Studies are very encouraging and supportive."

Her tutor, David, said: “Paula’s growth, dedication, and commitment to the Deaf community have been exceptional. Her willingness to give additional time to attend and support Deaf events is truly inspiring.”

While Paula initially began her BSL journey with a desire to learn to communicate, building trust within her local Deaf community has led to a completely new career path.

“Studying both BSL and learning about the culture of the Deaf community has spurred me on to do more,” she said.

Currently navigating the first year of her two-year Level 4 course, Paula has her sights firmly set on achieving her Level 6 qualification and officially becoming a registered BSL interpreter. She also notes the growing demand for local professionals, especially following the passage of the landmark BSL Bill.

Reflecting on her journey, Paula hopes to inspire others to take up the language: “We have amazing registered interpreters here in North Wales, many of whom started their journey here at Coleg Llandrillo. I hope to continue my studies and follow suit in years to come. I encourage you to join me on this journey. Learn a new language which is fun, and get continued support from top-class lecturers. I’m glad I did.”

You can find the BSL version of the Police and Crime Plan here: https://www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/bsl-hub

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a range of BSL courses, for individuals and for businesses looking to upskill staff and become more inclusive. Visit the website to find out more: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/search?courseType=part-time-training&programmeArea=deaf-studies-and-sign-language or get in touch with Abbi Woodyear at a.woodyear@gllm.ac.uk or 01492 546666 ext. 1726 to discuss bespoke options for businesses.