Sign Language Week will be running from 16th – 22nd March 2026 and is run on an annual basis by the British Deaf Association (BDA). It is celebrated each year in March to coincide with the anniversary of the recognition of BSL by the British Government in 2003.
The theme for Sign Language Week 2026 is: “More than a language: culture,
community and belonging”.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage people of all ages across the UK to take up the challenge of learning BSL for themselves and finding out more about the language and culture of the Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing British people for whom BSL is their first or preferred language.
The positive impact of BSL on thousands of Deaf and hard of hearing people are often under appreciated. Our goal is to make everyone realise the importance of BSL, and how awareness can make a big difference.
In April 2022 a Bill to recognise British Sign Language as a language of England, Wales and Scotland was passed by the UK Government; to require the Secretary of State to report on the promotion and facilitation of the use of British Sign Language by ministerial government departments; and to require guidance to be issued in relation to British Sign Language.
Get involved – you can follow and interact with the campaign across social media, don’t forget to use the hashtag (#SLW2025) and tag @SignatureDeaf
Signature has created a selection of FREE British Sign Language learning resources for you to download and print.
You are free to use these around your schools, offices and at home, we’d love to see a photo if you put them up, share on social media, tag @SignatureDeaf.
These resources include posters, flashcards, activities and videos that you can use to gain some BSL knowledge.
If you have been inspired to learn British Sign Language with Signature, you can find a centre in your local area that currently offers our qualifications. You can find the centre search tool here.
In 2022 we asked members of our board and the deaf community what Deaf culture was for them.
In 2019, to help raise awareness of BSL, we have enlisted the help of friends of Signature, MP’s, celebrities, sports clubs and notable organisations to create a short BSL video for us to share on social media.
We hope that this shows that support and understanding of BSL continues to grow, and that opportunities for people to get involved and learn are now more accessible than ever.
You can see some of the Organisations, celebrities and MP’s who have got involved below.
Leave your Name, Email and the manner of your enquiry and member of our very helpful team will get back to you as soon as possible.
