Key Figures and Leadership

Richard was one of the founders of the Association of British Sign Language Tutors and served as Treasurer from 1989 to 1991. He started as a graphic designer and later became a full-time BSL teacher after completing the BSLTA Tutor Course at the University of Durham in 1987. Richard also designed the first ABSLTA logo and newsletter cover.

He worked as the Senior Sign Language Trainer for the RNID from 1987 to 2007, teaching BSL from beginner to advanced levels and training some of the first qualified interpreters. He also taught at the University of Reading and co-wrote the book “Start to Sign!” with Anne Hodgson.

Richard passed away in 2016 at the age of 60. His illness was worsened by poor communication in hospitals due to a lack of interpreters. To honour his memory, a foundation was set up to help Deaf/BSL users and their carers get the medical information and care they need at the end of life. The foundation also trains healthcare professionals, interpreters, and Deaf Advocates.

Jacqueline served as Secretary from 1996 to 2005 and was awarded life membership of ABSLTA. She also served as a BSL/ISL Subject Officer at Signature and created a video on the subject.

Gillian has been a member of ABSLTA since 1989. She joined the committee in 2006 and served until 2009, then became Treasurer from 2009 to 2021. Gillian is a retired BSL Teacher who has been involved in several committee roles throughout the 30 years.

Sheila and Pat, a husband and wife team of BSL Teachers, were long-time members of ABSLTA. They never missed any CPD or AGM during their membership and professional development until their retirement. Both were awarded lifetime membership and have since passed away, leaving a lasting legacy.

Frances was a sign language linguist and lecturer of STTC at Durham University, later relocating to DCLA, London, until her death in 2022. She was well-known for her interview on BSL Zone’s “Close Up” with Tessa Padden, which showcased her unique career and significant contributions to the Deaf community, especially in the field of sign linguistics. Frances’ hand and fingerspelling letter of BSL was also featured on the front cover of the BSL Dictionary published in 1993.

Frances passed away in 2022, and in her memory, the Frances Elton Trust was established. This trust aims to continue her legacy by supporting the Deaf community and fostering the next generation of Deaf leaders. The trust focuses on raising funds to train Deaf individuals to become Sign Language teachers, host linguistic workshops, and hopefully, train relay interpreters.

Dorothy ‘Dot’ Miles, originally from North Wales, was a key figure in advancing British Sign Language (BSL) education. After spending twenty years in the United States, she returned to England in 1977. Dot quickly became involved in pioneering projects, including the National Union of the Deaf’s Open Door TV programme and the See Hear television series.

She played a crucial role in creating the first teaching manual for BSL tutors and helped establish the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (now Signature). As a writer, lecturer, and performer, Dot was dedicated to promoting BSL teaching and training.

In 1998, she published British Sign Language: A Beginner’s Guide, a widely recognised resource. Dot also wrote and performed a poem called The Staircase, inspired by her work with a group of BSL tutors. Her contributions had a lasting impact on BSL education in the UK until her passing in 1993.

In 2018, BSL Zone commissioned two drama documentaries about Dot’s life: “Dot” and “Dot’s Legacy.” These productions showcased her remarkable journey as a Deaf poet, playwright, and activist, highlighting her significant contributions and lasting impact on the Deaf community.

In 2024, Dot’s hometown of Rhyl honored her with a Purple Plaque, making her the first Deaf woman to receive Wales’ Purple Plaque and celebrating her as one of the 16 remarkable women in Wales.