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: Cyngor Cymru i Bobl Fyddar | Evidence from: Wales Council for Deaf People
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 there is a need for this legislation in Wales
We agree with the goals that the Bill is seeking to achieve
Yes
Yes
Yes.
British Sign Language (BSL) is a visual language with its own grammar and lexicon. It is an indigenous minority language and the first language of many deaf children and young people in Wales. The UK Government recognised BSL as a language in its own right in March 2003. The Welsh Assembly Government formally recognised BSL in January 2004.
The Curriculum for Wales has been developed to be accessible to all. Anyone can learn BSL regardless of their medium of education or home language. This includes learners with additional learning needs (ALN).
Yes
Strongly disagree.
Deaf people have often faced exclusion in several ways when it comes to the design and delivery of public services, and this lack of inclusion affects their access to information and services. EG
Lack of Accessibility in Communication: Many public services still fail to provide effective communication access for Deaf BSL signers. This includes not offering BSL interpreters at key service interactions such as doctor's appointments, public meetings, or legal proceedings. Without interpreters or alternative methods, Deaf people are left out of vital conversations, decisions, and information sharing.
Inadequate Representation in Policy Design: The design and delivery of public services are often shaped without consulting Deaf BSL signers. This means that the needs of this group may not be taken into account when planning services, leading to inadequate provisions.
Digital Exclusion: With increasing reliance on digital platforms for public services, there’s a risk of excluding Deaf BSL signers if these platforms don’t include accessible alternatives like BSL video translation or easy-to-read text options. Many services still don't make enough effort to ensure their digital systems are BSL-friendly, leaving Deaf signers without equal access.
Training and Awareness Gaps: Many public service workers (e.g., healthcare providers, law enforcement, public transport staff) have little to no training on how to communicate with Deaf BSL signers. This lack of awareness can result in frustration, misunderstanding, or even discrimination. If professionals don’t know how to work with an interpreter or how to use other communication methods, Deaf people can be excluded from the services that are intended to help them.
Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: BSL is a distinct language with its own grammar, structure, and idioms, so it's not just about translating English into signs. Many services default to written English, which can be difficult for some Deaf individuals to understand fully. When public services fail to provide services in BSL or cater to the specific linguistic needs of Deaf individuals, this contributes to their exclusion.
Strongly agree.
As above - to improve the situation with regards to
Lack of Accessibility in Communication
Inadequate Representation in Policy Design
Digital Exclusion
Training and Awareness Gaps
Cultural and Linguistic Barriers
BSL .
We are also keen to ensure that the needs of the Deafblind community members are referenced & Included too.
Education; Health; Social Care; Transport; Other Public Services used by deaf people and their families; Workplace.
see below BSL should be provided in the same way as Welsh for several important reasons, as both are languages with their own unique cultural and linguistic significance. BSL deserves similar recognition and provision because of:
1. Linguistic and Cultural Identity
Just as Welsh is a distinct language with its own grammar and structure, so too is British Sign Language. BSL is the first language for many Deaf people in the UK, and it plays a crucial role in shaping their identity and community. Providing BSL in the same way as Welsh recognises its importance to the Deaf community, affirming their right to use and preserve their language just as Welsh speakers have the right to use their language.
2. Legal and Human Rights
Both Welsh and BSL are protected languages in the UK, but BSL has not received the same level of support in terms of public service provision. The 2003 Welsh Language Act and the 2011 Welsh Language Measure ensure that public services are provided in Welsh. Similarly, BSL should be provided in public services to ensure equal access for Deaf people. This would align with the UK’s commitment to protecting human rights and promoting equality, as enshrined in the Equality Act 2010.
3. Equal Access to Public Services
Welsh speakers can access public services, such as healthcare, education, and legal services, in their language. Deaf BSL users should have the same right. Without the provision of BSL interpreters or BSL-accessible services, Deaf individuals are often left out of crucial interactions with public services, which can affect their health, safety, and well-being. Just as Welsh speakers are entitled to bilingual services, BSL signers should have access to services that are fully accessible to them in their language.
4. Education and Employment
In Wales, schools and universities offer courses in Welsh, and Welsh language skills are encouraged in the workforce. Similarly, Deaf BSL signers should have the same opportunities to learn and use their language in educational and professional settings. By offering BSL as part of educational curriculums, training, and workplace requirements, it would ensure that Deaf people are empowered to succeed in both the education system and the job market, just like Welsh speakers.
5. Promoting Social Inclusion
Welsh is a language that is embraced as part of Wales’ national identity, and offering public services in Welsh promotes social inclusion for Welsh speakers. Likewise, providing services in BSL would contribute to the inclusion of Deaf BSL signers in society. It would show a commitment to diversity and ensure that Deaf people are not left behind due to communication barriers, fostering a more inclusive, fair society.
6. Recognition of Language Status
Recognising BSL in the same way as Welsh would elevate its status and ensure its preservation and promotion. The Welsh Language Act has helped raise awareness and appreciation for Welsh, and a similar approach for BSL could lead to greater respect for it as a language. It would also encourage more people to learn BSL, which could help bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing people, leading to better integration.
7. Alignment with International Standards
Globally, Deaf communities are recognized as having their own languages, and countries like the US and Canada have policies to ensure Deaf people can access services in American Sign Language (ASL) or other regional sign languages. By offering BSL in the same way as Welsh, the UK would align itself with these international standards for supporting linguistic diversity and the rights of minority language speakers.
In summary, providing BSL in the same way as Welsh would not only provide Deaf people with equal access to services but also promote a more inclusive, equitable society where all individuals can communicate in the language that is most meaningful to them. The ultimate goal is ensuring that BSL is treated as a legitimate and essential language
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 BSL Commissioner would be a dedicated advocate for the needs and rights of BSL signers ensuring that the Deaf community has a strong voice in decision-making processes. Currently, there is no single person or office focused exclusively on the needs of BSL signers which can result in their concerns being overlooked or inadequately addressed. A BSL Commissioner could act as a champion for their rights, lobbying for more inclusive policies and services.
One of the main roles of a BSL Commissioner would be to monitor and enforce the provision of accessible services for Deaf people. This includes ensuring that BSL interpreters are available in key public services, such as healthcare, education, legal services, and local government services. The Commissioner could work with public bodies to ensure they are meeting their obligations to make services accessible, as well as advising on best practices for inclusion.
A BSL Commissioner would be in a unique position to advocate for the development of laws and policies that address the specific needs of the Deaf community. This could include pushing for changes to existing legislation or advocating for new laws that ensure BSL signers are not excluded from vital services. The Commissioner would also help ensure that any new policies or services are designed with accessibility for BSL users in mind.
Many public service workers, employers, and the general public still lack awareness about the needs of Deaf BSL signers and the importance of providing accessible services. A BSL Commissioner would play a vital role in raising awareness and educating both the public and service providers about BSL and the challenges faced by Deaf people. This could lead to greater understanding, improved communication, and a more inclusive society.
A BSL Commissioner would be a strong advocate for the equal rights of Deaf people, working to ensure they are not discriminated against in any way. While BSL is legally recognized in the UK, in practice, Deaf people often face barriers in accessing services, education, and employment. A BSL Commissioner would help identify and challenge instances of discrimination and work to eliminate those barriers, ensuring that Deaf people have the same rights and opportunities as hearing people.
Different public bodies and services might not always coordinate effectively when it comes to the needs of Deaf BSL signers. A BSL Commissioner would be able to provide oversight, ensuring that various agencies work together to meet the needs of the Deaf community. This coordination could involve ensuring that services provide BSL interpreters or are designed in a way that is accessible to those who use BSL, whether it’s through video calls, BSL-friendly online content, or other forms of communication.
A BSL Commissioner would be responsible for monitoring the implementation of BSL accessibility standards and regularly reporting on progress. This would include assessing how well public services are serving BSL users, identifying gaps in provision, and holding service providers accountable. Regular reporting would ensure that Deaf people’s needs are being met and that progress is being made toward full accessibility.
A BSL Commissioner would advocate for the inclusion of BSL in educational curriculum, both as a language option and as a tool for communication. This could help bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf communities by encouraging hearing people to learn BSL and fostering greater integration in schools, workplaces, and society at large.
While BSL is used across the UK, there may be specific challenges and needs for BSL signers in Wales. A BSL Commissioner for Wales would be able to address these unique needs, taking into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Welsh Deaf community. They could also work in partnership with other Welsh-language advocacy bodies to ensure that services are truly inclusive for all.
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.
Yes.
An annual report produced in BSL would provide Deaf BSL signers with equal access to important information about the Welsh government's activities, policies, and decisions. Right now, BSL signers do not have access to critical information that is readily available to the hearing public through written or spoken reports. Providing an annual report in BSL would break down communication barriers, enabling Deaf people to stay informed and involved in public matters that affect their lives.
No
No