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Introduction to the BDA’s Charter for British Sign Language (BSL)

The BDA is asking local authorities and public services across the UK to sign up to our Charter for British Sign Language (BSL). The Charter sets out a number of key pledges to improve access and rights for Deaf people who use sign language. Each pledge requires a commitment, to overcome the disadvantages that Deaf people using BSL face, in order to achieve the stated objective. The benefits that will ensue from achieving the stated objective are also listed.

The five pledges are:

1. Ensure access for Deaf people to information and services

2. Promote learning and high quality teaching of British Sign Language

3. Support Deaf children and family

4. Ensure staff working with Deaf people can communicate effectively in British Sign Language

5. Consult with our local Deaf community on a regular basis.

Trevor Phillips, former Chair of Equality and Huma n Rights Commission:

“The essence of the Charter is that Deaf people deserve equal access to services which will, in the long-term, lead to better life outcomes. But organisations will also benefit by adopting the Charter. Not only does it add a new dimension to communication with customers, service users and staff; it also makes good organisational sense to become accessible to the many thousands of BSL users throughout the UK.”

Why was official recognition so important?

It was hoped that Deaf BSL users would be able to gain access to health services, council services and services by public bodies through front line staff being able to use BSL and the provision of sign language interpreters.