Senedd passes BSL (Wales) Bill in step toward integrating British Sign Language as part of Welsh society

The Bill places duties on Welsh Ministers to develop a National BSL Strategy, informed by a BSL adviser and an assisting panel, alongside BSL guidance.

This guidance will in turn set the direction for public bodies to follow when developing local BSL plans.

The Bill, which was brought forward by Mark Isherwood (Member of the Senedd for North Wales), “aims to empower the British Sign Language (BSL) community and provide Wales with a significant opportunity to drive positive change”, the Welsh Government said.

It added: “The Bill lays the foundations for improving outcomes for the BSL signing community across Wales. It recognises that promoting and facilitating the use of BSL in Wales is a shared responsibility across public services.”

The BSL Wales Consortium, which consists of Alison Bryan (Co-Chair), Dr Rob Wilks (Co-Chair), ABSLTA (Association of BSL Teachers and Assessors), Action Deafness Cymru, ASLI, British Deaf Association, COS (The Centre of Sign-Sight-Sound), National Deaf Children’s Society Cymru, NRCPD, RNID, Signature, Talking Hands Deaf Children and Young people and VLP, said of the legislation: “Today marks a historic milestone for Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) signers across Wales. The passing of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill in the Senedd ensures that the distinct language and culture of BSL signers is recognised.

“The Welsh Government is now required to take action to address the long-standing inequalities that our community experiences.

“For too long, BSL signers have had to navigate inaccessible public services every day; they have had their language needs denied across healthcare, education, transport, and more. The Bill’s passing is a critical step in the right direction to address this.”

The consortium added: “The experience and expectations of Deaf BSL signers can be central to how we improve public services across Wales. We want to have a real say over the decisions that affect our lives.”

Harry Rodd