Celebrating BSL and Deaf culture

National BSL Day

28 April, every year

Celebrate British Sign Language, Deaf culture and the community whose campaigning helped make history.

Why 28 April? BSL in Our Hands
Rebecca Mansell at a BSL rally in London.

A milestone worth celebrating

Why 28 April matters

On 28 April 2022, the British Sign Language (BSL) Act received Royal Assent. The Act legally recognises BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland.

This followed years of campaigning by the Deaf community, led by the British Deaf Association and the Core Group of Deaf organisations behind the BSL Act Now! campaign.

Rosie Cooper, then an MP, introduced the Bill, with support from Chloe Smith, then Minister for Disabled People. The BDA proposed National BSL Day as an annual celebration of this achievement.

Explore the BSL Act

Scotland’s milestones

17 September marks the passage of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015, and 22 October marks its Royal Assent.

BSL and ISL in Northern Ireland

The Sign Language Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 received Royal Assent on 9 July 2026, recognising and promoting both British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language.

Read about the Northern Ireland Act

Taking BSL forward

Language opens up a world of possibilities.

The BDA’s Strategic Vision, Taking BSL Forward, builds on the BSL Act and sets out what a good quality of life for Deaf BSL signers could look like in a decade’s time.

That starts with language. Deaf children, their families and carers need support to learn BSL as early as possible.

Learning sign language does not prevent Deaf children from learning English. A strong language foundation in the early years supports children to learn other languages later.

Our Strategic Vision
Children and adults taking part in a BSL rally.
Campaigners holding a British Deaf Association banner at a BSL rally.

Language. Identity. Community.

Discover the richness of BSL

National BSL Day is a chance to discover Deaf culture, challenge misconceptions and celebrate a language that brings people together.

  • A language in its own right

    BSL is a rich, expressive language with its own grammar, vocabulary and conventions.

  • A world of sign languages

    Sign language is not universal. There are hundreds of sign languages around the world, with regional variations too.

  • Access to language matters

    Hearing aids and cochlear implants do not replace access to language. Children can learn sign language alongside spoken and written languages.

Celebrate the progress. Help shape what comes next.

Discover our BSL in Our Hands campaign and help us call for free access to BSL for every deaf child and their family.

Support the campaign