Stormont Sign Language Bill becomes law in ‘landmark’ for deaf community
Stormont’s Sign Language Bill has been hailed as a “landmark achievement” as it completed its passage into law.
The legislation recognises and promotes both British sign language and Irish sign language and places duties on public bodies to take reasonable steps to ensure that the information and services they provide are fully accessible.
This will include ensuring the provision of free sign language classes to deaf children and their families.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the legislation was a “landmark achievement for the deaf community and everyone who has campaigned tirelessly over many years to secure greater recognition and rights”.
“The Sign Language Act is unique in these islands, providing recognition and promotion for both British sign language and Irish sign language within Northern Ireland,” he said.
“In doing so, it reflects Northern Ireland’s distinctive linguistic heritage and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring deaf people can participate fully in society.
“The Act sends a clear message that sign language is valued and respected.
“It will help remove barriers, promote inclusion and support deaf people to engage fully in everyday life.
“Again, I want to pay tribute to the deaf community, advocacy organisations, elected representatives and all those who contributed their experience and expertise throughout the development of this legislation.
“Their determination and commitment have been instrumental in bringing us to this important day.”
The minister said his department will “continue to work closely with the deaf community to ensure that the ambitions of the Act are realised in practice” and further announcements are to be made on the “promotion of sign language”.
Julie Graham, director of Action Deaf Youth, welcomed the forthcoming implementation of the legislation.
“This new Act is an important piece of legislation which long term will make a significant difference to the lives of deaf children and young people, as well as deaf adults, in Northern Ireland, ensuring fair access to public services such as education and health through BSL/ISL,” she said.
“Of particular importance is the clause within the Act entitling deaf children, young people and their families access to sign language classes free of charge.
“This is something Northern Ireland has already been offering for the past 12 years and this new Act safeguards this provision long-term, ensuring language deprivation amongst deaf children can be prevented.”