Disability awareness for schools – free resources to download

Disability awareness in schools is a vital step in creating inclusive, understanding, and supportive environments for all students.

At Just Like Us, we believe education is key to celebrating diversity, breaking down barriers, and fostering empathy.

That’s why we’ve created free, inclusive teaching resources, including our spotlight resource on British Sign Language (BSL) and the LGBT+ community, designed for use in secondary schools.

Whether you’re planning a one-off activity or looking to embed this topic into your curriculum, our resources provide everything you need to start meaningful conversations in your classroom.

We have several secondary school resources available:

• KS3/4 Formtime: British Sign Language (BSL) and LGBT+
• A series of resources for secondary schools who are part of our free Pride Groups programme, including LGBT+ disabled sportspeople, Being LGBT+ and disabled and a LGBT+ disability Pride session

What’s included in the BSL and LGBT+ resource for KS3/4?

Download the resource for free – it includes a video of Oliver signing

This resource introduces students to British Sign Language (BSL), a rich and complex language used by over 125,000 adults and 20,000 children in the UK. It’s not just about learning some key signs—it’s about opening up discussions on:

• The experiences of D/deaf individuals, including the cultural and linguistic significance of BSL.
• The intersection of disability and LGBT+ identities, exploring how overlapping minority experiences can create unique challenges and opportunities for inclusion.
• Simple yet impactful ways to improve communication with D/deaf people, fostering inclusivity in school and beyond.

The resource also features practical learning opportunities, such as videos demonstrating BSL signs for LGBT+ terms like “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” and “transgender.” It’s a ready-to-go tool for raising awareness and understanding intersectionality in your classroom.

Why teach disability awareness?

Educating students about disability has a profound impact on school culture. By exploring topics like the D/deaf community and their contributions, we can:

• Build empathy and reduce stigma around disabilities
• Empower students to become better allies and communicators
• Create a more inclusive environment for D/deaf and disabled students

This resource also highlights key organisations like Deaf Rainbow UK and Parapride, which support D/deaf LGBT+ individuals and provide additional avenues for learning.

How to use the resource

This BSL and LGBT+ session is perfect for form time, PSHE lessons, or assemblies. It’s designed for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils, but can be adapted for different age groups. Teachers can simply download and present the materials, which include links to engaging video demonstrations and communication tips.

Download the free resource

Empower your school to take steps toward greater inclusivity. Sign up to download the BSL and LGBT+ resource for free and use it to inspire conversations about disability awareness in schools.

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