Power of the unspoken word

"They usually kick off with getting the body involved. Physical interaction during activities not only brings the participants closer emotionally, but also shows them that the workshop isn't just about arranging words, but that everyday movements can also be a form of poetry," he says.

Ai also chose a variety of exercises to show the participants that they could write deep-reaching poems in a fun and enjoyable way.

"When it came to performing and recording sign language poetry, I wanted the participants to see it as an important way of expressing and performing poetry. Learning and filming the movements and symbols was a way of recording and sharing the poems," he says.

While Wang has written, published and performed poems before, she says that this workshop was a refreshing experience, as well as an opportunity to write poetry and share experiences with other people.

"It was a rare chance for me to write and perform poetry in a joyful environment and share my feelings with others. I love interacting with different people. It gives me unexpected inspiration," she says.

Wang first learned about accessibility in 2019, when she was in the audience at the first edition of the UK-China Disability Arts Forum, which is co-hosted by Body On&On.

Last year, she became a speaker at the forum, and gave a speech in sign language about her experience as a theater performer and the impact of artists with disabilities in performing arts and cinema in China.

"The concept of accessibility was like a beacon of hope, because I need to be respected, affirmed, understood and supported, and I yearn to be integrated into mainstream society. From the Body On&On platform, I can use my own voice to tell others that people with hearing loss can achieve so many things," she says.

"I like poetry, and I like to express myself through performance. I want other people to experience the beauty of sign language from my performances."

Sign Alley, the workshop's co-host, is an organization that spreads awareness about people with hearing loss and sign language, and promotes social integration. Its founder Feng Gang, a sign language instructor, director and performer with hearing loss, also took part in the workshop.

"This was my first time writing a tercet. What made this interesting for me was that everyone was able to share their thoughts and feelings. Participants without hearing loss also learned to perform in sign language and shared their experiences. It was a lovely and unforgettable time," Feng says.