The Sign Language Bill in Northern Ireland has passed the final Stormont stage and will now advance for Royal Assent, meaning British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) will be recognised as languages of Northern Ireland. This monumental step requires organisations to take steps to ensure that all information and services provided are accessible to all individuals in the deaf community. With the advancement of the Bill, Northern Ireland makes a commitment to preserve BSL and ISL, as well as “develop deaf culture, whilst preserving the architecture of disability legislation”.
The Department for Communities stated that “DCAL figures estimated that there are at least 5,000 people in Northern Ireland who use sign language as their preferred means of communication”. The Sign Language Bill will guarantee those individuals who use BSL or ISL are viewed as valued members of society, with equal opportunities more readily available for them across the country.
One of the key differences with the Sign Language Bill in Northern Ireland is their approach to sign language education. The Bill places a duty on the Department for Communities to provide free BSL or ISL classes for deaf people under 25 years of age, alongside their close families, guardians, and carers. In addition, the Bill also includes “a further obligation for the Department to make arrangements for classes for those people aged 25 and over who become deaf, their close family and carers, to learn or improve proficiency in BSL or ISL.
Indeed, this commitment highlights the importance of valuing both sign languages and those who use it to communicate daily. Being able to access free sign language will be transformative to those in the deaf community. By directly addressing barriers to communication, Northern Ireland is also combating long-term effects of language deprivation. This systemic change will make a positive difference to the lives of deaf people across Northern Ireland. As the awarding body for British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language, we recognise the importance of the Sign Language Bill, and the huge difference it will make to the lives of deaf people in Northern Ireland.
Lindsay Foster, Executive Director for Signature said, “The passing of The Northern Ireland Sign Language Bill marks an important milestone for both British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language users in Northern Ireland. This legislation will ensure the deaf community is recognised and better supported through improved access to services and opportunities. The Bill represents real progress towards inclusion and preservation of both languages.”
Overall, the advancement of the Sign Language Bill represents a landmark moment for Northern Ireland and deaf communities. By formally recognising British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language, the Bill not only protects both languages but places responsibility on public bodies and organisations to ensure deaf people have the same opportunities to those who are not in the deaf community. By becoming the first part of the UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children, the Bill addresses communication barriers and ensures the language is both preserved and protected. This latest legislation will transform lives and sets a strong precedent for language inclusivity across the United Kingdom.