The government has pledged its commitment to improving accessibility for deaf people across the country by backing a Bill which will see British Sign Language (BSL) become a recognised language.
The government said the British Sign Language Bill, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Rosie Cooper MP, signals promotion and facilitation of BSL when making public service announcements, encouraging other service providers to do the same.
If passed, the Bill will also see the launch of an advisory board of BSL users to offer guidance to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how and when to use it, examine how the DWP goes about increasing the number of BSL interpreters and make sure the Access to Work scheme better meets the needs of BSL users to support them in employment.
The government said deaf people’s organisations, such as the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) and the British Deaf Association (BDA), worked closely with Ms Cooper to ensure the Bill effectively meets the needs of those who will benefit the most.
The BBC reported that during the Commons debate Ms Cooper told MPs about her experience of growing up with deaf parents – including having to book a family holiday, on behalf of her parents, when she was only four years old.
Ms Cooper, the Labour MP for West Lancashire said children of deaf parents had to “shoulder responsibility well beyond their years, and that’s not fair”.
She added: “We do it willingly, I never knew any different but we have the chance to help with that.
“For every deaf person like my parents, who’ve been ignored, misunderstood, or even treated as unintelligent for simply relying on BSL, this recognition will be a clear message that their language is equal and should be treated as equal.”
Chloe Smith, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work at the Department for Work and Pensions Chloe Smith said: “Effective communication is vital to creating a more inclusive and accessible society, and legally recognising British Sign Language in Great Britain is a significant step towards ensuring that deaf people are not excluded from reaching their potential.
“Passing the Bill will see government commit to improving the lives of deaf people, and will encourage organisations across the nation to take up the BSL mantle, benefitting both themselves and the deaf community.”
