Anxiety is avoided by the use of jazz hands

It is a time-honoured custom signalling approval, acclamation and enthusiasm, but students at Oxford University are to replace clapping at student union events with “silent jazz hands” amid fears that applause could trigger anxiety.

Officers at the student union argued that clapping, whooping and other loud noises presented an “access issue” for some disabled students who have “anxiety disorders, sensory sensitivity and those who use hearing aids”.

They passed a motion to replace clapping with jazz hands this week at the first meeting of the Student Council of the new academic year. “Jazz hands” involves waving both hands by the sides of the body at about shoulder height. It is the British Sign Language expression for applause.

Roisin McCallion, welfare and equal opportunity officer of