, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: I am pleased to share an
update on important work to support and strengthen the use of
British Sign Language (BSL) in Wales.
BSL is the first or preferred language of the Deaf community in
the UK, with its own unique linguistic identity and rich cultural
and historical heritage. It was recognised as a language of Wales
in 2004.
We are dedicated to promoting BSL as part of Wales' diverse
linguistic landscape and improving provision for Deaf BSL signers
is a priority. Through our policy levers, we strive to bring
positive long-term change and improve access to services and
information, by breaking down the existing language barriers
faced by Deaf BSL signers.
We want to design and develop policy which is shaped by lived
experience and delivers the greatest positive impact to Deaf BSL
signers. To achieve this, Welsh Government will establish a BSL
Stakeholder Group in
the new year. The group will inform Welsh Government policy
development and advise on key and emerging issues which affect
the lives of Deaf BSL signers in Wales.
The group will also
inform the development of a Welsh Government BSL ‘route-map'
which will demonstrate clearly the actions we are taking to
promote and facilitate BSL and improve outcomes for the Deaf BSL
signing community of Wales.
I welcome discussions with BSL stakeholders and will continue to
engage with both disability and BSL stakeholders through the
Disability Equality Forum.
Ensuring that Deaf BSL signers have equal access to information
and services is crucial for creating a fairer and more equal
Wales. By breaking down language barriers and promoting
inclusivity, Deaf BSL signers can fully participate in all
aspects of society, fostering communities where everyone has the
opportunity to thrive.
