The British Deaf Association (BDA) received news today that Qualification Wales have dropped plans for a BSL GCSE.
Martin Griffiths, British Deaf Association Cymru Manager for Wales said: "This is a slap in the face for deaf children and their friends and classmates across Wales. The Welsh Government had made a strong commitment to sign language, just yesterday in the Senedd. It's astounding that this news comes just one day later.
"We urgently need a BSL Act in Wales to ensure that all parts of the Welsh Government are actively promoting the use of British Sign Language."
Founded in 1890, the BDA is the UK’s only official national representative organisation of BSL (and Irish Sign Language (ISL) used in Northern Ireland). As a Deaf-led membership organisation, we are recognised by the World Federation of the Deaf (a United Nations consultative organisation) and the European Union of the Deaf (a participatory member of the Council of Europe) as the sole legitimate voice of the BSL community. Our members are calling for urgent attention to protect the prospects of our language.
