More than 1,200 children have been taught sign language at 33 primary schools over the past year.
The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) programme aimed to create an inclusive deaf-friendly learning environment educating children with severe/profound hearing loss.
The initiative, funded by the Department for Communities, saw pupils participate in interactive sign language workshops.
Parents and staff also attended workshops to share increase their own awareness of sign language and the experiences of the deaf community.
Following the conclusion of the programme, resource videos have been launched to help more children learn to communicate with the deaf or hard of hearing.
The videos, which are available on the CSSC website, were launched at a event at Cregagh PS in east Belfast.
“This programme represents a step forward in enabling schools to include and champion deaf pupils by providing new communication skills in sign language and by giving increased confidence to all,” principal David Heggarty said.
“My hope as an educator and school principal, is that this initiative has grown deep roots and will have a significant legacy.
“Supporting schools to better support their deaf students is essential if we are to narrow the educational outcome gap between deaf children and their hearing peers.”
Mark Baker, CCCS chief executive, said the programme “exemplifies the inclusivity of the controlled sector and how schools serve their local communities”.
