International Week of Deaf People 2026: Communication and Inclusion at @thepark

21–27 September 2026

@thepark, Bowden Derra Park, near Launceston in Cornwall, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate, express themselves and feel included.

During International Week of Deaf People 2026, we celebrated different ways of communicating, including keyword signing, which helps make communication more accessible for the adults with learning disabilities and complex needs we support.

Supporting Communication at @thepark

As a care home for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs in Cornwall, we understand how important it is to recognise each person’s individual communication needs. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can express their choices, share their thoughts and have their voice heard.

Keyword signing can support understanding by combining spoken words with signs, helping people communicate in a way that works for them.

Our Sing and Sign Choir

Our weekly Sing and Sign Choir practice brings our service users and staff together through music, singing and signing. The choir performs at local community events and schools, helping to raise awareness of inclusive communication and encourage others to learn about signing.

We also deliver signing workshops, sharing simple ways to make communication more accessible and inclusive.

Celebrating Inclusion and the Right to Communicate

International Week of Deaf People is an opportunity to celebrate sign languages, raise awareness of Deaf communities and recognise everyone’s right to communicate and be understood.

@thepark, Bowden Derra Park, we are proud to promote communication, inclusion and meaningful connections every day.

From everyone at @thepark, Bowden Derra Park, near Launceston, Cornwall.