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: Stuart Parkinson | Evidence from: Stuart Parkinson
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, so many deaf people and organisations have constantly raised issues relating to Deaf People who use BSL for many years, The general feelings the Deaf Community, myself included is that nothing much has changed and their is a lack of accountability. There are BSL Act for other areas of the UK but sadly not Wales. This is not good in terms of the reputation of the Wales Government, especially its reluctance to access this legislation.I agr.
I fully support the goals of the Bill is it matches realistic expectations but would have to be prioritised as to what should be achieved in the short term, medium term and long term.
Yes
Yes
No.
Pros and Cons of Identifying as a BSL User Identifying as a BSL (British Sign Language) user has both advantages and challenges, depending on your context and how you see your relationship with the language. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros of Identifying as a BSL User: Cultural and Linguistic Identity:
• BSL is not just a language but a key part of Deaf culture. Identifying as a BSL user connects you to a strong, vibrant community with a shared history and identity.
Access to a Supportive Community:
• Being part of the Deaf or signing community provides access to social networks, advocacy, and shared experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
Empowerment through Communication:
• Using BSL enables direct, natural communication with Deaf people, fostering deeper connections and inclusivity.
Increased Awareness and Advocacy:
• Identifying as a BSL user promotes awareness of the language’s importance and challenges misconceptions about sign language.
• It also strengthens advocacy for Deaf rights, accessibility, and policy changes that benefit BSL users.
Employment and Educational Opportunities:
• BSL proficiency is a valuable skill in various professions, such as interpreting, teaching, social work, and healthcare.
• Deaf BSL users can access opportunities through Deaf-led education and employment initiatives.
Language Preservation:
• By using BSL, individuals contribute to the preservation and recognition of the language, ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations.
Bilingual and Cognitive Benefits:
• BSL users, especially those fluent in multiple languages (e.g., BSL and English), often experience cognitive benefits like improved memory, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Bridging the Communication Gap:
• Hearing BSL users, including CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults) and professionals, can help bridge communication barriers between Deaf and hearing communities, promoting inclusivity.
Emotional and Mental Well-being:
• Having access to a visual language like BSL is essential for many Deaf people’s mental health, reducing frustration and isolation caused by communication barriers.
• For hearing BSL users, learning and using BSL can be personally fulfilling and enhance their understanding of different communication styles.
Cons of Identifying as a BSL User:
Stigma and Misunderstanding:
• Some people may not recognise the legitimacy of BSL or mistakenly view sign language as inferior to spoken languages, leading to discrimination or exclusion.
Limited Access to Resources:
• Depending on location, access to high-quality BSL resources (e.g., classes, interpreters, Deaf-centered services) may be limited.
• Even with legal recognition, services for BSL users often remain inconsistent. Language
Barriers in Hearing Environments:
• Outside of Deaf-friendly spaces, BSL users often struggle with communication since most hearing people do not know sign language.
• In emergencies or medical settings, lack of immediate BSL access can lead to serious misunderstandings.
Social Exclusion and Isolation:
• Deaf BSL users frequently experience exclusion in workplaces, public services, and social settings where BSL is not accommodated.
• Even hearing BSL users may feel disconnected from both the Deaf and hearing worlds if they lack strong support networks.
The expectation of Free Labour:
• Hearing BSL users, particularly interpreters and professionals, may face expectations to provide unpaid communication support.
• Deaf BSL users are often expected to educate hearing people about accessibility and BSL without proper compensation.
Pressure to Justify BSL Use:
• Some hearing BSL users may feel the need to explain why they use BSL, especially if they are not from a Deaf family.
• Deaf BSL users may be pressured to use spoken language instead, particularly in education, workplaces, or medical settings.
Limited Legal Recognition and Protection:
• In some regions, BSL is not fully recog
No.
I have explained in Question 16 my preference for BSL user.
Disagree.
Deaf people are very often excluded in any tendering process as to what services should be provided in some cases providers are not deaf aware and are ringing deaf people rather than texting them. Some Equality Teams are dictating what should happen rather than allowing deaf people to take the lead based on their needs.
Strongly agree.
The BDA BSL Charter certainly has a template for formalising a voice in the design and delivery of the public services that they use, especially ones targeted at deaf people.
Face to face and zoom meetings during working and outside working hours. Wales BSL Act Facebook needs to set up too.
Education; Health; Social Care; Transport; Workplace; Equality Policies targetting at BSL.
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
A Commissioner needs to have some power to make changes and recommendations to achieve some accountability to make things happen.
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.
Deaf grassroots need to be involved to empower them to feel part of the process and to be supported by Deaf organisations collaborating with the Wales Government.
Yes.
What works elsewhere in the UK should work in Wales. We need to ensure that there is a process to ensure that ensures accountability.
The Youth Service Board for Wales need to make sure that their information is accessible in BSL too.
Complaints in both Wales Government and Local Government needs to be accessible in BSL.