Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People.
*Introduction*
Sign for Thoughts is delighted to be running the Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People.
Each course is 5 teaching days plus one assessment day.
With around 330,475 Deafblind people in the UK, we need to spread awareness and improve communication and access for all.
This qualification aims to further learners’ experiences and development in communication awareness through British Sign Language (BSL) with Deafblind people in everyday life socially or at work, in school or college. A Level 2 course will enable development in functional Deafblind communication.
The Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People
is suitable for those who:
- Wish to acquire Deafblind Communication skills at an intermediate level for the purpose of holding more detailed communication with Deafblind people;
- Need to acquire Deafblind Communication skills as part of a programme of study or professional development;
- Are studying for personal development with a view to future employment;
Our Deafblind courses are fully accredited by Signature Awarding body as recognised by Ofqual (the Office of the Regulator for Qualifications, Examinations and Assessments in England).
Please note the Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People incorporates the theory of Deafblind Level 1 in the K202 unit , can be studied independently or as part of the full DBL2 course.
Qualification Structure
Qualification Objectives
We offer a fully accredited Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People course. The course is split into 3 units, which are:
- Unit K202 : Understanding Communication with Deafblind People
- Unit T201 : Communicating with Deafblind People
- Unit T202 : Deafblind Manual Communication and Guiding
To achieve the full Level 2 Award in Communicating and Guiding with Deafblind People , candidates must pass all units.
The K202 is the theory unit and can be studied separately
or as part of the full DBL2.
Visit the Signature website for more information or use this link for the course specification
Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind People is designed to enable learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skill in relation to communication with deafblind* people who use English, and who make use of residual sight and hearing in
communication. The deafblind experience is explored in depth and the individuality of the dual sensory loss is the priority. This qualification is seen as the starting point for those who wish to
work in the deafblind field.
* In this specification, the term ‘deafblind’ relates to all of the following: people with acquired
deafblindness, Deaf visually impaired people, blind hearing impaired people, and people with
congenital deafblindness.
At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:
- understand and know how deafblindness affects communication for deafblindpeople
- use a range of communication methods to support conversation with a deafblind person
- take part in a conversation with a deafblind person.
Costs and Dates
Why SFT and why a Deafblind qualification?
Dates and Times
SEPTEMBER 2025 - partially on ZOOM and remainder of course in Aldershot
Training day 1 - K202 Deafblind theory training - All day training on Zoom - 20 September (assessment 3 November 2025- option day or evening).
Training days 2 & 3 - 17th & 18th October 2025
Training days 4 & 5 - 21st & 22nd November 2025
Assessment (T201 T202)-9th January 2026
(comprised of half day review / revision of course curriculum and half day practical assessment)
JANUARY 2026 - partially on ZOOM and remainder of course in Aldershot
Training day 1 - K202 Deafblind theory training - All day training on Zoom - 16 January 2026 (assessment date TBC - option day or evening).
Training days 2 & 3 - 23rd & 24th January 2026
Training days 4 & 5 - 6th & 7th February 2026
Assessment (T201 T202)-27th February 2026
(comprised of half day review / revision of course curriculum and half day practical assessment)
Costs
Course fees are £625
Plus Assessment fee of £150
Total: £775
Course fees are subject to change
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
We will carry out a short interview on ZOOM prior to confirming your place.
There are no entry requirements for this training, though SfT advises students to have BSL level 2 or equivalent standard for CODAs / native BSL Users , and ideally a basis understanding of Deaf / Deafblind issues*
*Please note, although this Course curriculum does not include hands on or small visual frame in its curriculum, SfT will teach you these skills to enable you to broaden your skillset and range whilst communicating with Deafblind people.
This course may launch you towards a rewarding and fulfilling career working or volunteering for a deafblind person. Would you like to work in an environment of providing practical assistance to enable a person to fully access their community, or where you would be promoting their personal and social development and well-being?
Read more about how one organisation supports Deafblind people in the community Sight for Surrey
Whether you are interested in a new career, or volunteering, developing your existing job, or are just interested in learning more please join us on this course.
For working with a full range of Deafblind people, including native BSL users, with varying communication methods you will need to qualify with Deafblind Level 3 . Deafblind Level 3 is currently being modified, and SFT WILL be offering this qualification. Please note DBL3 requires BSL Level 3 as minimum.
Why a DEAFBLIND QUALIFICATION?
Students come to us from all different stages and backgrounds and with a variety of experience and knowledge. Some have worked with Deafblind people informally or have family and friends who are deafblind.
Many have little of no experience. All are welcome and all are suitable to undertake Deafblind training, we will meet you where you are at!
Some people therefore understandably ask, why do I need to enrol onto a course and pursue a qualification ?
My view is this.
Successful candidates will achieve an accredited qualification.
A qualification is a reassurance for any deafblind people you work with and important for the standard of work in the area of deafblind. The Deafblind person will know you have undertaken training and have a thorough grasp of Deafblind issues, communication tactics and styles plus you will have considered ethics and dilemmas.
Also, if you register with agencies they will often ask for this and it may be needed for your insurance purposes if you are self employed.
The Deafblind community will benefit hugely from having a qualified and knowledgeable workforce, whether they be Communicator Guides, Deafblind support workers, or Deafblind interpreters. For a community which may have had some bad experiences with unqualified support worker, this is very reassuring and should be the quality standard for all.
The deafblind community have a right to full access and equality. We want to make some of the horror stories of the past become a thing of the past and a bright new future for all.
As a deafblind person myself I must do all I can to promote best practices to bridge between Deaf and hearing people and the deafblind community.
Sign for Thoughts is proud to be a strong Deafblind lead organisation. Courses are delivered by Deafblind qualified trainers with Deafblind role models involved in the course to add breadth of experience and variety for learning.
We would be delighted to empower you in your learning , or new career, volunteering or own personal development. Whatever the reason for joining as a student, you are welcome and valued.
Penny is available for a 1-1 FaceTime chat or drop in at the centre and would love to answer any questions you may have regarding the course. Please Contact Us to arrange this.