iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Celebrate 20 years of DCAL with us on Saturday 17th October 2026! Registration for DCAL20 closes on 2nd October. Read more and book now: lnkd.in/e-Q7QGB6

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Missed DCALx or want to revisit a talk? 🎥 Recordings from our DCALx event are now available to watch on YouTube, with captions included for accessibility. Read more and access the playlist here: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

DCALx talk recordings now available to watch on YouTube

Missed DCALx or want to watch a talk again? Recordings from the event are now available on the DCAL YouTube channel, with captions included for accessibility.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

DCAL has submitted its response to the Government’s SEND reforms consultation, raising concerns that deaf children and young people are being overlooked within the proposed reforms. Read more: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

DCAL submits response to Government SEND reforms consultation

DCAL’s response raises concerns that deaf children risk being overlooked within proposed SEND reforms.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

DCAL’s paid internship applications are closing soon ⏳ Paid opportunities for deaf and deafblind applicants interested in research, accessibility, communications, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience and more at UCL. Apply here: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

DCAL Paid Internship Opportunities

Are you deaf and interested in language, psychology or neuroscience research? We offer paid Research Placement opportunities. Come and work with us!

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Exciting news! DCAL will be at the Birmingham NEC for Deaf Expo on Fri 15 & Sat 16 May! Come visit us at stall 442 to chat about our research, get involved, and enter our prize hamper giveaway 🎁 See you there!

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Happy National BSL Day! On 28 April 2022, British Sign Language (BSL) was recognised in law in the UK, following years of campaigning led by the Deaf community. Celebrating BSL, Deaf culture, and early access to language. #NationalBSLDay #BSL #DeafCulture

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

DCAL at BATOD 2026 🎉 Great to be at BATOD this week, sharing our work and connecting with teachers and researchers. Patrick Rosenburg and Fiona Kyle led a workshop, and Mairéad MacSweeney and Kate Rowley delivered the keynote. Thanks to everyone who came to chat with us 👀

A group of DCAL team members stand behind a display table with leaflets, cards, and signage about DCAL resources. Everyone is smiling towards the camera. A DCAL banner and wooden panel wall are visible behind them.

A man and woman stand at the front of a room beside a screen displaying ‘Workshop on DCAL resources’. The woman signs while the man stands beside her. Audience members are seated in the foreground, facing them.

Kate Rowley stands on stage behind a podium, wearing a green cardigan. A BSL interpreter stands to her left, signing to the audience. They are lit by stage lighting against a dark background.

Mairéad MacSweeney stands at a podium on stage, with two BSL interpreters positioned on either side. All three face the audience, lit by stage lighting against a dark background.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

DCAL will be there to celebrate BATOD’s 50th! We’ll be leading a workshop, giving a presentation, and hosting a stall throughout the conference— do swing by and say hello!

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

In our next Academic Spotlight Series video, Amy Hegedus, a CODA, reflects on her journey from studying Psychology at university, to completing a postgraduate qualification in mental health interventions in education, to her current role as a Research Assistant at DCAL. youtu.be/f74FfkRoh54

youtu.be

Amy Academic Spotlight Interview Video

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

DCAL was invited by the Empowering Deaf Society to attend the parliamentary event “Deaf Voices: Breaking Barriers in Education” on Monday 16th March 2026. At the event, Elisabeth Taunton, a Research Assistant at DCAL, delivered a presentation outlining DCAL’s work and impact.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

If you are a Year 12 student who is deaf or hard of hearing, Discover UCL offers the opportunity to experience student life, meet new people, and explore your future. Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday 16 June 2026. Apply now! www.ucl.ac.uk/widening-par...

ucl.ac.uk

Discover UCL: exploring university life as a deaf or hard of hearing student

As applications open for Discover UCL 2026, we’re looking back at the 2025 edition of this specialist summer school run in conjunction with the UCL Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCA...

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

New lay summary! Dr Patrick Rosenberg & Dr Victoria St. Clair share their study with Dr Evelyne Mercure on deaf parents’ lived experiences. The video highlights navigating resources, working with professionals, and accessing support during parenthood. youtu.be/vTjk5ndmLi8

youtu.be

Lived experiences of deaf parents: insights into pride, community, bilingualism, and barriers

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Are you deaf and interested in research or professional services? DCAL is offering paid one-week placements! Gain hands-on experience in a world-class centre. Application deadline: 29 May at 5pm. Find out more and apply: www.ucl.ac.uk/.../dcal-pai...

ucl.ac.uk

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

BSL teachers: reminder that our BSL Linguistics for Teachers CPD course is open for registration. 🗓 Deadline: 12 February 2026. Places are limited. Full details and booking info below 👇

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

We’re launching a new CPD course: BSL Linguistics for Teachers. This update shares our plans for the BSL GCSE and the CPD courses being developed to support BSL teachers. Find out more and register: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

Update on BSL GCSE and CPD Courses for Teachers

An update on our plans for the BSL GCSE and the CPD courses being developed to support BSL teachers.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

DeafATW and RNID are collecting evidence on Access to Work – including budget cuts and renewal issues. If you’re deaf, deafblind or have hearing loss and have used or applied for AtW since Oct 2024, please take or share this survey: connect.deafatw.com/ty/cl/eyJ2Ij...

connect.deafatw.com

Survey

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

New lay summary release! Dr Joanna Atkinson shares the development of the first screening test for detecting cognitive impairment and dementia in deaf signers: the British Sign Language Cognitive Screening Test (BSL CST). youtu.be/pm_TbR77wAc

youtu.be

BSL Cognitive Screening Test (BSL-CST)

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Our DCAL 2025 Christmas Newsletter is out now 🎄 Read the newsletter and watch the BSL videos here: mailer.ucl.ac.uk/7SWP-2ECWZ-3... Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a peaceful festive break and a positive New Year.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Deadline extended to Friday 5 December. UCL DCAL is recruiting a PhD researcher on tactile BSL and DeafBlind communication. DeafBlind applicants especially encouraged. Apply: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

New lay summary! Dr Matt Brown shares key findings from his PhD on how BSL expresses “and”/“or” through signs, facial expressions, body movement and space and why this matters for linguistics, pragmatics, and deaf children’s language development. 🎥 youtu.be/6FbIw9aAslo

youtu.be

"And", "Or", and intonation in BSL

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Some of our colleagues at DCAL attended the British Library’s Family Festival: Imaginary Worlds on Saturday 22nd November, where we hosted a DCAL stall. We had a fantastic time meeting everyone!

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

PhD opportunity at UCL on tactile BSL & DeafBlind communication. 3-year FT / 5-year PT, £27k stipend, start Feb 2026. UK students only. Deadline: 1 Dec 2025. More info + how to apply: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

PhD Opportunity at UCL – Tactile Sign Language & DeafBlind Communication

Join a pioneering ERC-funded project at UCL’s DCAL, Europe’s leading centre for Deafness, Cognition & Language research.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Last call for the Bencie Woll Prize – apply by 8 December. £500 award for early-career researchers with a BSL-focused publication from the last two years. Send your CV, 500-word summary and publication link to dcal@ucl.ac.uk. Deaf researchers encouraged to apply: www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

The Bencie Woll Prize for Linguistic Research on British Sign Language

The Bencie Woll Prize celebrates exceptional research in British Sign Language (BSL) linguistics.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

There’s still time to apply for the Deaf in AI & Technology workshop. The deadline’s this Sunday, 23 November. Re-sharing in case you haven’t seen it yet.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Meet Vernon, a final-year university student in Biomedical Sciences, who shares his internship experience at DCAL. His week at DCAL gave him insight into research, brain imaging, and better clarity about his future career - youtu.be/ylHW99wRuT8

youtu.be

Interview with Vernon: DCAL Internship Experience

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

In our next #AcademicSpotlightSeries, Prof. Kearsy Cormier shares her journey from studying ASL linguistics in Texas to leading DCAL. Her 20+ years at UCL exploring BSL structure, use & brain processing have shaped sign linguistics. Watch her story: youtu.be/7Pkq-qUpkUc?...

youtu.be

Academic Spotlight Series | Kearsy’s Journey: From Studying ASL Linguistics to Director at DCAL

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

We’re joining the British Library’s Family Festival: Imaginary Worlds on Sat 22 Nov (12–4pm). Visit DCAL’s Fingerspelling Space Race to race friends and test your BSL skills. More info: events.bl.uk/events/famil...

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

PhD Opportunity at UCL – Tactile Sign Language & DeafBlind Communication. Funded PhD at DCAL exploring tactile BSL and DeafBlind interaction. UK only. Deadline 1 Dec 2025. www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

PhD Opportunity at UCL – Tactile Sign Language & DeafBlind Communication

Join a pioneering ERC-funded project at UCL’s DCAL, Europe’s leading centre for Deafness, Cognition & Language research.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Join UCL’s DCAL as a Research Assistant on the Tactile Language Project – exploring protactile and tactile forms of BSL with deafblind people across the UK. Full-time, 18 months. Apply by 17 Nov 2025 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

Job Advert: Research Assistant – Tactile Language Project

Are you passionate about language, communication, and inclusion? Do you want to help shape the future of British Sign Language (BSL) for the deafblind community?

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

New paper with Evelyne Mercure: hearing children of deaf mothers learn sign and speech – showing bimodal bilingualism as enriching and adaptive. 🔗 cambridge.org/core/journals/bilingualism-language-and-cognition/article/BB899E0B4FCB32AE0DEF5D160F2EA4AA

cambridge.org

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

In our latest #AcademicSpotlightSeries, Dr Kate Rowley, deaf scholar & Deputy Director at DCAL, shares her inspiring journey from Deaf Studies to PhD, exploring sign linguistics, deaf culture & accessibility in education. Watch her story: youtu.be/BOSXQ6KwMiU

youtu.be

Academic Spotlight Series | Kate’s Journey: From Research Assistant at DCAL to Deputy Director

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Applications open for the Bencie Woll Prize 2025 — celebrating top research in BSL linguistics. Early-career researchers welcome. £500 + talk at DCAL. Apply by 8 Dec: dcal@ucl.ac.uk 🔗 www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc... #BSL #DeafResearch

ucl.ac.uk

The Bencie Woll Prize for Linguistic Research on British Sign Language

The Bencie Woll Prize celebrates exceptional research in British Sign Language (BSL) linguistics.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Recruiting deaf adults from Greater London (under 35yo) for a new focus group series (interpreters provided!) Help identify priorities and best practices for future research with deaf children & receive £200 for your time! Email Victoria at v.stclair@bbk.ac.uk

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us for #DCALx 2025 last week! Inspiring talks, great conversations, and a brilliant evening celebrating BSL, literacy & cognition. We can’t wait for the next one! ✨

Dr Kate Rowley, in a bright blue top, signs at the lectern. Behind her, a slide titled “Grant Success!” announces a £1.4m ERC award for a 5-year tactile BSL project with job opportunities starting in 2026. Live captions run across the top of the screen.

Dr Patrick Rosenburg presents in BSL beside a lectern with a laptop. His slide shows logos from deaf schools and universities he has worked with, including Boston University, Gallaudet and Frank Barnes School. Audience heads are visible in the foreground.

A DCALx flyer rests on a desk in the foreground, showing the three presenters’ portraits. In the background, Professor Kearsy Cormier presents in BSL on stage with a slide about early BSL research and annotation challenges.

Professor Kearsy Cormier presents at a lectern with slides about BSL and AI. The caption reads “What DO Deaf people want from sign language AI?” Audience members sit in rows with notepads.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Join us for #DCALx 2025 – an evening of bite-sized talks in BSL exploring sign language, literacy & cognition 📚🧠✨ 🗓 4 Sept | 🕕 6–8pm | 📍 UCL London Free & fully accessible 🔗 www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...

ucl.ac.uk

DCALx 2025: Showcasing Research in BSL, Literacy and Cognition

Thursday 4 September 2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM University College London, near Russell Square, London

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

💬 Powerful voices, proud community. We were thrilled to attend the BDA Conference and see so many brilliant people – from passionate presenters to an engaged audience. A celebration of deaf identity, advocacy, and connection. 📸 Photos by Charlie Swinbourne – thank you!

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Hi! I’m Zahra Nawab, a deaf PhD student at UCL. I’m looking for participants for my research on language, thinking & emotions in deaf adults. Interested or know someone who might be? Get in touch: zahra.nawab.23@ucl.ac.uk For more information, please watch this video: youtu.be/Iw-TiANQpY0

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Exciting news! DCAL & UCL IOE launching CPD courses in early 2026 to help deaf teachers prepare to teach the new BSL GCSE in secondary schools. Please contact: dcal@ucl.ac.uk youtu.be/rBbO4VFchS0

youtu.be

BSL GCSE

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

SignGPT is a 5-year EPSRC-funded project by Uni of Surrey, UCL DCAL & Oxford, building AI tools with the deaf community. We're a deaf/hearing team looking for more deaf BSL signers to join us! youtu.be/_UMIBhgEQDI

youtu.be

SignGPT

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Discover UCL this July! A free summer school for deaf and hard of hearing students - with BSL interpreters, live captioning, and a chance to explore university life. Apply now by Monday 10th June.

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Watch Kearsy Cormier revisit her highly cited 2015 paper on constructed action in BSL, co-authored with Sandra Smith & Zed Sevcikova. She explains what it is, why it matters & how it ranges from role-shifts to facial expressions. youtu.be/2MbdKpP4RHY?...

youtu.be

Rethinking Constructed Action in BSL: Kearsy Cormier with Sandra Smith & Zed Sevcikova

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) @dcal-ucl.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

youtu.be

Rethinking Constructed Action in BSL: Kearsy Cormier with Sandra Smith & Zed Sevcikova

YouTube video by DCAL UCL

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