British Sign Language Week

Highlights inadequate support for deaf children in north Yorkshire, advocating for qualified teachers of the deaf.

Emphasises the importance of early years British Sign Language provision for deaf children, highlighting its role in socialising and removing barriers. Calls for more accessible sign language classes and recognition of families' right to learn BSL.

Says the issue is about accessibility, and notes that Government consultations often overlook BSL interpretation. Acknowledged the importance of accessibility in political engagement and declared his intention to make sure constituents can have access to their MP in BSL.

Applauds the hon. Member for Thurrock's campaigning on behalf of the deaf community, stressing that all deaf and hearing-impaired individuals have a basic human right to full participation in society. The Liberal Democrats have a history of advocating for BSL, including fighting for its legal recognition and supporting measures to improve access to services. The speaker is concerned about delays in implementing GCSE qualifications and asks the Minister not to scrap these plans.

The hon. Friend agrees that delays exist around what a qualification would look like but suggests the Minister provides an update on progress to ensure new BSL signers are confident and highlights employment challenges faced by BSL first-language speakers.

In Northern Ireland, there are two sign languages: British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language. Schools have incorporated some basic sign language, but there is a need for more integration in society. He discussed issues related to BSL services in healthcare and mentioned the inadequacy of the NHS 111 BSL service, highlighting both progress and areas where more is needed. Inquired about the possibility of implementing a 24/7 video system for police forces on mainland England, similar to that used in Northern Ireland for those with hearing issues.

There are still issues with BSL interpreter availability, including the placement of interpreters at televised events which can make it difficult for BSL users to follow events on TV.

Celebrated the contributions of the deaf community and BSL users, highlighting challenges faced by local organisations in providing adequate services. He spoke about means of communication and highlighted the role of MeSign in tackling isolation, pointing out that provision of BSL in Government services was woeful.

The MP acknowledges the importance of BSL and highlights her work as a former Minister in improving accessibility for deaf people. She also mentions that while progress has been made, there is still more to do, including reporting annually under the British Sign Language Act 2022. Asked the Minister to ensure collaboration with devolved nations to prevent a postcode lottery regarding access to BSL education.

Discussed the importance of BSL for over 150,000 people in the UK, emphasizing the need for better accessibility to public services and utilities through video relay access.

Asked utility companies in her constituency whether they have taken measures to ensure BSL interpretation for those who need it.

My constituent Sarah has been unable to afford a British Sign Language course for her son, which costs up to £400. She welcomes the prospect of a GCSE in BSL but raises concerns about affordability in non-devolved areas like Cornwall.

Acknowledges the importance of BSL as a communication tool for the deaf community based on her previous work experience with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

Acknowledged the issues raised and mentioned that Cornwall will have devolved control over adult skills funding from 2025-26, providing a chance for local decision-making on BSL courses. Also discussed ongoing work to finalise GCSE assessment arrangements.

The hon. Lady supports teaching British Sign Language in schools, recognising its potential to address speech, language and communication difficulties among young people.