Doncaster Deaf Trust Students and Tutors Celebrate BSL Act Success

Deaf students and tutors in Doncaster are celebrating the recent success of the BSL Bill. Once it passes into law, the act will recognise BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland in its own right.

Natalie Pollard, a member of the sign language team at Communication Specialist College Doncaster, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “This is really good news for Deaf people.

"The Act will not only recognise British Sign Language as a language but also means that the secretary of state for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will have to report on what actions government departments have taken to promote or facilitate the use of BSL in their communications with the public. This will mean that access to information will be greatly improved for Deaf people.”

The Act will be accompanied by a number of non-legislative measures, including an examination of how the government might increase the number of BSL interpreters in Britain, and a review of how the DWP might work to ensure the Access to Work fund helps BSL signers.

Barry, a student at Communication Specialist College Doncaster said: “I am deaf and my brother is deaf and for 19 years we have waiting for the BSL Act to become law. I feel relieved now that it has become law as we will have more access to public services.”

For further information about Communication Specialist College Doncaster visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk/college