BSL version: https://video.manchester.ac.uk/faculties/02c2450ae35142639406cb7ebe4dfd49/ae88def6-ce14-4581-81a7-e821d7e02ef7 

On Saturday, 8 June 2024, the University of Manchester hosted a vibrant festival (https://universallymanchester.com/) to celebrate the university’s 200^th birthday which featured over 150 free events. Among these, the SORD (Social Research with Deaf People) booth stood out with its “DEAF DISCOVERY: ENGAGE AND EXPLORE WITH DEAF RESEARCHERS” event, celebrating Deaf culture and research.

The SORD booth, located at University Place opposite Manchester Museum, was bustling from 10am to 4:30pm. The stall offered a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities to foster understanding of Deaf culture while learning about the contributions of Deaf researchers and the SORD research group. Short videos were filmed with the SORD team members and shared on Instagram and TikTok.

Visitors enjoyed interactive stations like the true or false card sorting game, which debunked some myths about Deaf communities and research, sparking lively discussions. The colourful creations station was a hit with families, where children and parents learned to fingerspell their names in British Sign Language (BSL) and children were able to create their own unique artwork.

Festival guests were able to immerse themselves in a photo exhibit of Deaf researchers, both current and historical, which provided insight into academic achievements within medicine, engineering, and invention; highlighting the importance of inclusivity in research. The Deaf Research History Journey showcased milestones in Deaf research, enlightening and inspiring visitors.

Interactive signing puppets were fun, allowing attendees to practise sign language in a fun way. The event was met with enthusiasm, as attendees from diverse backgrounds learned about our work, which includes research involving Deaf people, and the contributions of Deaf scientists.

Overall, the DEAF DISCOVERY event was a great success, fostering learning and community. SORD looks forward to future events to continue engaging and educating the public about Deaf culture and research. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day memorable. See you next year!

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