Neighbours learn British Sign Language so deaf girl can trick or treat

Ada Hawkes, who lives in Worcester, was deterred from celebrating Halloween because of communication barriers that make trick-or-treating harder for those who are deaf.

The six-year-old, who was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 18 months, is one of many who tend to struggle this time of year because darker nights and mask-wearing make lip reading and interaction more difficult.

Ada Hawkes can finally enjoy trick or treating. (Image: Oliver Dixon / SWNS) However this year, more than 60 households in her neighbourhood have decided to learn British Sign Language (BSL) and help her have her first trick-or-treating experience.

Her mother, Tilly, said: "We haven’t taken Ada trick or treating before as we’ve been wary that there could be barriers in communication with other households, and we haven’t wanted her to feel left out.

“The fact that our street now knows a little BSL, we’re really looking forward to taking her out trick or treating for the first time.

“Having her neighbours communicate with her in BSL is going to be so exciting.”

All residents received a package to learn Halloween-themed BSL phrases such as ‘trick or treat’ and ‘you look spooky’.

Ada ready to go door to door for the first time. (Image: Oliver Dixon / SWNS) Those participating have displayed in their window that they are learning BSL, with expert sign-linguists visiting residents to support their progress ahead of the spooky season.

Research among 2,000 adults found that 59 percent had never used any BSL before, and 67 percent admitted they would struggle to communicate with a deaf person.

While 71 percent wouldn’t even be confident enough to greet someone with BSL.

To help bridge the gap between hearing and deaf people at Halloween, Cadbury’s Fingers has translated Halloween BSL expressions, which are available to learn online, as part of the Sign With Fingers Big and Small initiative.

Anastasia Lutskovskaya, from Cadbury Fingers, said: “Just knowing even basic BSL can make a deaf person feel more included in moments of sharing and celebration.

“That’s why, at Halloween, when costumes and masks create extra barriers for deaf and those with hearing loss to interact, we wanted to encourage people to learn a little BSL.

“To help people in their BSL journey, we’ve hosted Halloween-themed phrases on our site so more people can feel included.”