Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament
Bil Aelod Arfaethedig – Mark Isherwood AS | Proposed Member Bill - Mark Isherwood MS
Datblygu'r Bil Iaith Arwyddion Prydain (BSL) (Cymru) | Development of the British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill
Ymateb gan: Cymdeithas Pobl Fyddar Prydain | Evidence from: British Deaf Association
The British Sign Language Act 2022 requires the UK Government to issue guidance about the promotion and facilitation of the use of British Sign Language (BSL). This however only applies in England and not to the Welsh Government or public bodies in Wales such as councils or the NHS. The British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill aims to place equivalent specific duties on the Welsh Government and public bodies in Wales.
Yes absolutely, we need this Bill. This is because BSL is the first language used by the Deaf BSL community. Our language is so important to us, and needs to be respected as a native language used by people in Wales.
It is so important for us to use BSL in order to access our education; that access to language means that deaf people can understand their rights, their options, their choices in their everyday lives etc.
Even things like how to make a complaint about barriers that deaf people experience, there is often a barrier to accessing information on how to complain. This is because it would rely on written English, or making a phone call. I think that this then gives a false representation on how the Deaf community are doing and whether or not they are happy with services provided.
Deaf people don't have access to lots of passive information such as radios, conversations, generally a lack of information in a way that is accessible.
If you consider accessing health information, there are so many barriers. Deaf people may need an urgent appointment, where no interpreter is available, or arriving at A&E in lots of pain, and they don't know how to use the video relay service technology. Wrong information may be given or how to take medication may be misunderstood. This barrier means that Deaf people suffer as a result. Later diagnoses, mis diagnoses, which in some cases means they are then life limiting. Hearing people are able to access so much information about how to look after themselves, and information on health conditions via NHS website etc. As a Deaf BSL user, there is such a lack of accessible information. I was recently asked about information on acid reflux in BSL, of which there is nothing available.
Deaf BSL users face everyday lack of access to information in their first language, which puts them at a huge disadvantage.
Scotland has a BSL Bill, it is time that Wales recognises the importance of BSL. We need equal access to language, the same as is provided in Welsh and English.
Deaf people are able to achieve wonderful things, it is the lack of access to education and opportunities that holds them back. We need a BSL Bill to ensure that access to language is provided for Deaf children from birth, right through schooling, and will enable them to go on to have successful careers.
So many Deaf people struggle with language deprivation, lack of access to information and education due to not having access to information in BSL. We need to change this for future generations of young Deaf people.
Deaf people can feel isolated in work environment, only working with other hearing people who don't know BSL. Some Deaf people might not apply for certain jobs knowing that there won't be anyone who will be able to communicate with them. Issues with delays in Access To Work might mean that Deaf people start jobs without access to the support that is needed. We need to promote the use of BSL, so that the Deaf community are included in every aspect of their lives.
Strongly agree with the goals that the Bill seeks to achieve.
Yes
Yes
Yes.
As I use sign language myself, I sign, I think this is a better term than 'user'.
Yes
Strongly disagree.
The deaf community are often relying on family members to tell them about information about what is happening regarding changes in public services they use, due to lack of accessible information.
Strongly agree.
It is so important for Deaf people to be able to feedback about difficulties they are facing, as often feedback is given and there are no changes. Lots of barriers to public services have a negative affect on Deaf people's mental health and general wellbeing.
The importance of access to things such as video relay services (VRS) for Deaf people.
Access to interpreters.
Education; Health; Social Care; Transport; Other Public Services used by deaf people and their families; Workplace.
Leisure/hobbiesEducation- deaf children are left behind in the classroom. Without access to sign language in the classroom their education is affected, educational outcomes, learning potential, understanding, general attitude to education and learning, and then job prospects as a result.
Health- GPs- how do you phone to book an appointment? when you are ill, you might have to wait longer for an appointment due to availability of interpreters. If you go to A&E, how do you know if they have called your name in the waiting area? General communication barriers that are very stressful. Care homes, if there is one deaf person in a care home with all hearing staff and other residents, they can be completely isolated. Hospital letters often say please phone us to book your appointment.
Social care- lack of staff means that deaf people may have huge waits for access to important safety technology at home such as flashing alarms, flashing doorbells etc.
Transport- bus stops, how to check if you're at the right stop, unable to ask for help. Train announcement, change of platforms/cancelled/delayed trains etc. Flying- when there are delays or gate changes via tannoy, cannot access this. Most deaf people prefer driving themselves as this reduces anxiety linked to barriers in public transport.
Other public services- have a look on their websites, no BSL information available, always please contact us via phone.
Work- lots of deaf people use ATW for interpreters and having VRS. Lots of barriers to communication, socialising, getting to know colleagues means they become very isolated in the workplace. Lots of deaf people have anxiety about applying for jobs where they feel they will be excluded or left out.
Leisure/hobbies- TV- not everything subtitled. Going to the gym/swimming, no communication support. How do I know if I'm using the equipment well. Barriers to accessing social clubs like badminton club due to communication barriers etc. Theatre, cinema, often issues as it will be fixed time and date they is interpreted or captioned, have to go to a specific screening or showing.
The Bill proposes to establish a BSL Commissioner who would promote and facilitate the use of BSL, and would have the same powers as other minority language Commissioners such as in the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.
Yes
Agree to all.
I want them to promote the learning of BSL to everyone in Wales. The more people that are able to communicate in BSL, this will improve the lives of Deaf people in Wales.
Ensure that VRS provision is much improved for services in Wales.
Yes
Enabling deaf users/signers to lead the development of policies and implementation of services for BSL users/signers; Early years language support for deaf children and their families; Improving BSL provision in education; Access to interpreters in public services.
Ensuring public services are contactable via VRS.
Yes.
To provide evidence on whether or not changes are being made and improvements are being made.
n/a
We need the BSL Wales Act Now!
I would like to add that I have completed this form in BSL and used a BSL interpreter to translate it into written English.