BDA responds to PM’s social care announcement

Andy Burnham's announcement today is really important to the Deaf Community. The Government's BSL Advisory Board recently published its 'Locked Out' report.

This said that deaf and deafblind BSL signers often have greater social care needs. However, many cannot get the support they need because services are not accessible. Social care assessments, care packages, and safeguarding processes often do not provide qualified BSL interpreters. This means people cannot fully understand their options or take part in decisions about their own care. Many become isolated, receive support too late, or experience unnecessary stress and trauma. Too often, family members have to interpret instead, even though they are not trained to do so.

We hope that all political parties will get behind the Prime Minister's social care plans. And that the expected Big Conversation on Care will teach out to the Deaf community to understand our ambitions.

It is disappointing that the live BSL interpretation was out of camera-shot and not part of the media feed for such an important speech today. Access and inclusion matter, particularly when discussing significant issues that affect many people.

Andy Burnham has a strong record of supporting sign language in Greater Manchester, so we hope he will encourage his London team to ensure effective BSL interpretation is provided for future major announcements and events. Please ensure that, for important announcements, the full BSL interpretation is shown on camera and included in the media feed.