Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) are part of a long standing history and culture but have been (and are still) marginalised and discriminated against. This project recognised that Deaf people have made a valuable contribution to society and aimed to record their memories of working life.

Members of Coventry Deaf Sports and Social Club shared their experiences of working in industry, retail, skilled trades and the professions. Their stories revealed the challenges of getting appropriate education and job opportunities at a time when there was little support available for Deaf people.

Extracts from interviews with Coventry people were combined with those from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent to make a 30 minute film in BSL with English subtitles. It was screened at museums in the region and distributed to local schools and community organisations. A shorter version of the film, focusing on the Coventry participants, was featured in the Your Coventry section of the Herbert's History Gallery from October 2009 to February 2010.

For more information about the project, call Anne-Marie Sandos on 024 7629 4784 or send her an e-mail.