New Report Highlights Investment Impact of BSL
Teaching of British Sign Language (BSL) to young deaf children and their families delivers an impressive economic return on investment, according to a new report.
The Value of British Sign Language – An Economic Analysis, commissioned by the British Deaf Association (BDA) from RAND Europe, models lifetime outcomes based on deaf people and their families being able to learn BSL as their first language from an early age. Economically, this represents a remarkable return of up to £14 for every £1 invested.
“This groundbreaking research highlights the urgent need for a real shift in Government policy — proper investment in the early years support of deaf children and their families. This will, in turn, reward the public purse with more taxpaying Deaf adults who contribute even more to the UK economy,” said Rebecca Mansell, CEO of the BDA.
Each year, up to 2,000 children are born deaf in the UK, and 90 per cent of them are born to hearing parents who do not know sign language. Despite BSL’s legal recognition as a language under the BSL Act 2022, access to BSL is still not routinely offered. Research has shown that many deaf children remain at risk of language deprivation due to limited access to sign language during their crucial early years of childhood (when language and communication in families is vital.)
“While significant investment is routinely made in providing hearing aids and other technologies, these do not guarantee access to a complete language — unlike BSL. As members of the Deaf community, we know from lived experience that families matter and that communication between parents and children at a young age is both vital and precious,” said Rebecca Mansell.
Across a lifetime, early access to BSL can lead to happier families, stronger relationships, improved educational attainment and better employment prospects. Health and wellbeing outcomes are also enhanced, reducing future reliance on the NHS and social care services.
“Legal recognition of BSL is a huge step forward, but alone it is not enough,” added Rebecca Mansell. “The research clearly shows that investing in BSL from early childhood benefits not only deaf children but also families, communities, the economy and wider society. As a community and as an organisation, we welcome the opportunity for real, lasting change through an economically sound child and family-focused policy.”
The report, published in November 2025 ahead of the UK Budget, demonstrates the long-term economic and social value of investing in early years BSL education.
The full report can be found at bda.org.uk/early-bsl-matters
ENDS
Media contact:
Angela Ansell
Head of Communications
media@bda.org.uk
