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: Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru | Evidence from: Disability Sport Wales
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, we do think there is a need for this legislation. Implementing the BSL Bill will ensure consistency across all areas of government, public bodies and policy areas.
Yes, we do agree with the goals and aims that the Bill seeks to achieve. Of the main aims listed in the consultation document, we support them all but would advocate for the inclusion of Sport and Arts explicitly within the first aim (’Support the removal of barriers that currently exist for deaf people...’) to mirror the current public bodies and services that have to adhere to Welsh Language policies.
Yes
Don't know
Don't know.
As an organisation, Disability Sport Wales would support community-led, positive and social model driven language (whether that is identified as BSL user or BSL signer).
Don't know.
The response to Question 5 can be applied to this question.
Strongly disagree.
We strongly disagree that deaf communities currently have a significant enough voice in designing public services.
Strongly agree
Yes we agree that deaf communities should have a mandated voice and input in the design and delivery of the public services.
Primary: British Sign Language
Secondary: Sign Supported English (mixture of BSL and English and helpful for those learning BSL as their second language) and deafblind tactile signing.
Education; Health; Social Care; Transport; Other Public Services used by deaf people and their families; Workplace.
We acknowledge that there are several significant barriers for deaf people and/or their families which need addressing. In the context of Disability Sport Wales, we have highlighted three areas that have substantial impact on sport and physical activity.
Education: Children that use BSL as their primary language may have their sport, physical activity and physical competency impacted if there is insufficient access to BSL within a PE and extra-curricular sport context. This can then have a negative impact on future access to sport and physical activity.
Transport: There is an overreliance on auditory announcements within the transport sector which creates a significant barrier for D/deaf individuals, and they may miss important announcements (e.g., a platform change) which can impact the journey i.e., to a Disability Sport Wales event. By providing clear visual displays with both written plain English and BSL overlay to support the delivery of transport announcements would reduce the barriers faced by D/deaf people within the transport sector.
Workplace: Greater access to BSL support would remove barriers for Deaf coaches, deliverers and workforce who face barriers in the workplace which will subsequently encourage wider integration into workforces.
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
Yes we agree with the proposed remit of the Commissioner.
- We would like to see stronger language than ‘formulate’ standards (‘establish’ as an alternative).
- Produce reports a maximum of every 3 years rather than 5 years between reports.
- Identify a time-framed strategy/national plan and clear vision for BSL 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.
We acknowledge that these are all key areas of work that need prioritising. Linking to the sport and physical activity context, a greater focus on BSL and early years language provision within education is needed.
Yes.
Yes, preparing and publishing an annual BSL report to hold themselves accountable.
No further issues than identified – but reference to Scottish Government and the work they have done to prioritise BSL in Scotland. Welsh Government’s ambition should be at least as great for Wales.