From 17–18 July 2025, the British Deaf Association (BDA) will host BSL Conference 2025—a landmark gathering celebrating 135 years of Deaf language, culture and community. Taking place in Leeds, the birthplace of the BDA, attendees are invited to be part of the most important conversations shaping the future of BSL and the Deaf signing community.
Over two packed days of presentations, workshops and discussions, the conference will explore six core themes: Culture, Identity, Economy, Education, Technology and Community. These threads run through every session, inviting us to look to the future of BSL and the Deaf signing community, and how we all play a part in shaping it.
With presenters from across the UK and beyond, the Conference brings together a diverse and dynamic range of Deaf leaders, researchers, educators, creatives and campaigners, all contributing vital perspectives on the future of BSL and the Deaf signing community, with headline sessions already drawing attention for their groundbreaking work.
The conference is proud to welcome two high-profile Deaf leaders whose work has had profound global impact. Dr Joseph Murray, President of the World Federation of the Deaf, is a globally recognised advocate for Deaf rights, linguistic equality, and international policy. At BSL Conference 2025, he will present Safeguarding Sign Languages and Deaf Culture Globally, exploring the vital importance of protecting sign languages as cultural treasures and fundamental human rights, while highlighting shared challenges and achievements across Deaf communities worldwide.
Another distinguished international presenter is Helene Jarmer, one of the very few Deaf people worldwide to have served in a national parliament. As a former Member of the Austrian Parliament, she played a pivotal role in securing Austrian Sign Language’s recognition on UNESCO’s prestigious list of global ‘Living Heritage’. Her presentation, Sign Languages as World Heritage: Lessons from Austria, will focus on the cultural, political and social impacts of this recognition, offering valuable insights that resonate with the BDA’s ambitions to secure similar status for British Sign Language and Deaf culture in the UK.
Dr Maartje De Meulder, who joins us from Belgium, will discuss Computer Science: AI and Deaf Languaging, exploring the UK’s leadership in global conversations around AI and its implications for sign languages, accessibility, and linguistic rights. Technology’s role in shaping communication is central to the future of the Deaf community, and this session promises to be a highlight.
Education is another key focus of the conference. Dr Katie Rogers (University of Manchester) and Dr Kate Rowley (University College London) will present What works in early years? – The evidence, examining how early access to BSL can have lifelong benefits for deaf children in terms of learning, confidence and inclusion.
Political engagement and advocacy also play a role in shaping the future. Dr Dai O’Brien (York St John University) will lead Political Science: Representation and Campaigning for Deaf Ideologies, examining how Deaf identity influences political action—and how campaigning can reshape society itself.
All the presenters mentioned above are Deaf leaders, researchers, and advocates, bringing vital lived experience and perspectives to the conference. We are also pleased to welcome distinguished hearing presenters who contribute important expertise, including RAND Europe economist Dr Marco Hafner. Dr Hafner will present What works in the economy? – The evidence sharing the world’s first major study into the economic benefits of BSL—demonstrating that sign language not only enriches lives socially and culturally but also makes clear financial sense for society as a whole. Dr Hannah Anglin-Jaffe (University of Exeter) will share Why schools should sign, exploring the academic, emotional and linguistic benefits of sign bilingualism and making the case for systemic change in how Deaf education is delivered across the UK.
These presenters represent just a small selection of those featured in the full programme. Other sessions will cover topics including genetics, heritage, identity, families, grassroots community work, and youth-led activism. Each presenter contributes to a larger conversation about the future of BSL and the part we all play.
The setting of Leeds is no coincidence. It was here, in 1890, that Deaf leaders and allies established the British Deaf and Dumb Association—what is now proudly called the BDA—at a time when sign language was under serious threat from oralist education policies. Returning to Leeds 135 years later allows us to honour that legacy while reimagining the future ahead.
The conference culminates in a not-to-be-missed Gala Evening on Friday 18 July, celebrating 135 years of Deaf culture, language and pride. The evening will feature a spectacular programme of Deaf-led performances, including storytelling, poetry, comedy and dance.
A special exhibition at the conference will showcase highlights from 135 years of BDA history, with additional material available through a virtual exhibition on the conference app. Delegates can also enjoy guided walking tours of the BDA’s original founding site, as well as a day of public performances hosted by BSL Celebration, including BSL comedy, poetry and signed songs, outside the Queen’s Hotel on Saturday 19 July.
