The Visitor Centre at the Heysham Power Stations has taken a step forward in accessibility and inclusion by hosting the company’s first-ever deaf awareness event.
Thirty people and a deaf assistance dog attended the British Sign Language (BSL) accessible event which included a signed presentation and tour as well as fun, family-friendly, electricity-based activities designed to make everyone feel included.
During the tour, the group had the opportunity to observe and learn about three of the power station’s most important facilities, the reactor building, the turbine hall and the control room.
Ahead of the event, Visitor Centre staff participated in a meaningful deaf-awareness training session led by station tour guide Lydia Smith, who has a degree in British Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Lydia brought her expertise and passion for deaf inclusion to the forefront, supported by fellow tour guide Leah Grundy, who shared her personal experiences as a parent of two deaf sons.
One of the highlights of the session was an introduction to basic British Sign Language (BSL). Staff learned common greetings and visitor-related phrases, skills that will be especially valuable during future events. The training not only boosted confidence but sparked genuine enthusiasm among the team to continue learning and engaging with the deaf community.
Lydia Smith, Visitor Centre Tour Guide, said: “By teaching them some basic signs, the guides now have new skills to use in future interactions.”
“A lot of my colleagues had never met a deaf person before, and they wanted to understand how they could communicate more effectively, so I was more than happy to help.”
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion at the Heysham Visitor Centre. By equipping staff with tools to communicate more effectively with deaf visitors, the centre is taking an important step toward creating a space where everyone feels valued.
Sarah Noon, Visitor Centre Coordinator, said: “It’s not just about learning how to sign simple phrases, it’s about opening our minds to different ways of understanding each other, and opening our tours to as many people as possible.”
The team plans to offer deaf awareness training across the company and is looking to host similar events at Heysham twice a year.
To book a Heysham Visitor Centre tour or enquire about future deaf awareness events, email: heyshamvisitorcentre@edf-energy.com or call 01524 868451.
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