As Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Deafness, Cathie Craigie MSP has introduced a consultation on a British Sign Language (BSL) Bill.
This Bill aims to secure BSL as one of Scotland’s official languages, commanding equal respect with English and Gaelic; to have better awareness of information needs and services for BSL users; to protect the linguistic integrity of the language; and to promote the cultural aspects of BSL and the Deaf community as part of Scottish heritage.
Cathie is hosting an event in the Scottish Parliament’s Committee Room 1 on Wednesday 6 October 2010 from 3pm to 5pm. The event will be open to all members of the public and will allow Deaf and hard of hearing people from across the country to film their response to her proposed British Sign Language Bill in BSL.
Cathie said:
“It is fitting that this event will take place during Learn to Sign Week and I hope that as many people as possible show up at the Parliament to film their response to the consultation document in BSL.”
“It is important to recognise that BSL is the first or preferred language of many Deaf and hard of hearing people in Scotland, and those individuals who use BSL should have the opportunity to respond in their own language.”
“SCoD are hosting a similar event on the same day in Glasgow, so hopefully those who cannot attend one will be able to make the other.”
The consultation period on Cathie’s proposed Bill ends on 29 October.
Sourced from bsluptake.org.uk