The Value of British Sign Language: An Economic and Human Case for Early Support

Every deaf child deserves a first language. When families receive early BSL support, children thrive, communication strengthens and long-term outcomes improve across education, health and employment. Research now shows that early access to BSL is not only the right thing to do; it is a smart investment for the whole of the UK.

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Early support reduces later costs

When deaf children have early language access, the need for intensive intervention, additional support and correction later in life is significantly reduced.

Better outcomes mean greater contribution

Children who grow up with a strong language foundation go on to achieve higher educational attainment, improved employment prospects and greater independence.

Investing early benefits the whole UK

When families receive BSL support early on, society gains through stronger wellbeing, higher productivity and reduced long-term public expenditure.

What RAND Europe Found

Research from RAND Europe shows that early BSL support delivers significant long-term benefits for deaf children, their families and the wider UK.

The RAND Europe analysis confirms what families and practitioners have long understood; when deaf children have early access to a fully accessible language, their outcomes improve for life. Early BSL support strengthens development, enhances education, improves wellbeing and increases future employment prospects. These improvements translate directly into long-term social and economic benefits for the whole of the UK.

Explore the Evidence

The findings in this section are drawn from independent analysis by RAND Europe, commissioned to examine the long-term economic impact of early BSL support for families.

Their work sets out why early language access is not only right for deaf children, but also a high-value investment for the UK.

Read the RAND Europe Report
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Up to £14 of long-term benefit for every £1 invested in early BSL support.

RAND Europe, 2025
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Up to £14 of long-term benefit for every £1 invested in early BSL support

- RAND Europe, 2025

The benefits of early sign language: an evidence review

The SORD (Social Research with Deaf People) team at the University of Manchester in collaboration with DCAL (Deafness, Cognition and Language research centre), University College London, have conducted one of the most comprehensive evidence reviews to date on the benefits of early access to natural sign languages. Their analysis brings together decades of published research across language development, cognitive outcomes, literacy, health and wellbeing.

The review shows that early access to a natural sign language is not just beneficial; it is essential. Deaf children need exposure to a full, accessible language from infancy to support healthy development. Without this, they face risks of language deprivation, delayed development and poorer social-emotional outcomes. Sign language provides a direct, fully accessible route to language, communication and connection during the critical early years window.

Read the Evidence Review Read the Summary Briefing Note

Early sign language protects against language deprivation

Deaf children need rich, natural language exposure in infancy. Research shows that early sign language prevents delayed language development and supports strong vocabulary, grammar and communication skills.

Early sign language strengthens cognitive development

Studies show clear benefits for working memory, executive function and Theory of Mind. Even when provided by hearing parents who are learning to sign, early sign language exposure improves cognitive outcomes compared to children without early access.

Early sign language supports wellbeing and identity

Early access allows children to express emotions, build relationships and participate fully in interactions at home. It also supports early social-emotional development and gives children access to Deaf role models and cultural learning.

Communication flourished at home

  • 92 percent of parents saw a positive impact on their child’s ability to communicate.
  • Many families reported their child became more expressive and more confident, especially when seeing Deaf role models using BSL.

Stronger relationships and reduced stress

  • 96 percent of parents learned as much or more than expected.
  • Parents felt more confident, better able to understand their child’s thoughts and feelings, and reported less frustration at home.

Powerful emotional impact on children

  • 58 percent saw improvement in their child’s ability to express emotions.
  • 50 percent saw improvements in mood during family interactions.
  • Children responded positively to having a tutor who signed and represented the Deaf community.

Family Sign at Home: Early Support That Transforms Families

Family Sign at Home is a BDA-led early intervention programme that provides free, personalised BSL sessions to families of deaf children under age five. Developed as part of the BSL in Our Hands campaign, the project gives families practical tools, confidence and support to start their BSL journey together from day one.

Delivered by Deaf BSL tutors in the family home, the programme focuses on real-life communication: play, daily routines, stories and emotional expression. The evaluation shows the programme has a measurable impact on communication, wellbeing and family relationships, helping children thrive during their most important developmental years.

Read the FSH Project Report
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It hasn’t just helped us communicate; it’s helped us grow closer as a family.

Parent of Deaf Child
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We were told my child had moderate loss after a virus, and it felt like the worst possible sign. I didn’t know what to expect, what support we’d have or who could help us. Once we started learning BSL, everything shifted. Her confidence grew. Our communication grew. We realised she could achieve anything. A whole world opened up for us, and it was genuinely magical.

- Tilly, mother to Ada

Why Early BSL Matters

Most deaf children are born into hearing families who want the very best for their child. Yet, many are steered towards hearing technology or spoken language support, while BSL is not offered early or consistently.

This creates a very simple but serious problem; without early access to a fully accessible language, children miss out on vital opportunities for learning, connection and confidence.

Stronger early development

BSL gives deaf babies and young children a natural, accessible first language. Early signing supports healthy cognitive, social and emotional development.

Better communication at home

Families who learn BSL early report clearer communication, reduced frustration and more positive daily interactions.

Stronger outcomes through life

Children with early language access, including BSL, have better long-term outcomes in education, wellbeing, independence and employment.

Why Act Now?

We believe every family of a deaf child should receive immediate, high-quality support to learn BSL. This is an investment in children, families, and the nation’s future.

But there’s more to do. RAND Europe’s report highlights gaps in UK data on BSL use and outcomes. We need better research and consistent national tracking to shape effective policies.

Early sign language access enables every deaf child to reach their potential — and creates lasting social and financial benefits for the UK. Let’s make BSL a standard part of early support for deaf children.

Join us in building a future where language is never a barrier.

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