BSL
ISL
Historic Moment for Deaf Communities as Northern Ireland Passes Sign Language Bill
The British Deaf Association (BDA) has welcomed the passage of the Sign Language Bill in Northern Ireland, calling it a landmark step forward for the recognition and promotion of British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL).
The legislation marks a significant milestone not only for Northern Ireland, but for the wider UK and Ireland, reinforcing the importance of sign languages as living languages with their own culture, heritage and communities.
Caroline Doherty, Northern Ireland Manager at the British Deaf Association, said:
“This is a hugely significant moment for Deaf communities in Northern Ireland. The recognition of both BSL and ISL reflects the reality of our linguistic and cultural landscape and sends a powerful message about inclusion, respect and equality.
The BDA is fully committed to supporting the implementation of this legislation. We will work closely with government colleagues to ensure that Deaf people are not only included, but are actively influencing and shaping the services that affect their lives. This must lead to meaningful, lasting change for our community.”
Robert Adam, Chair of the British Deaf Association, said:
“The passage of the Sign Language Bill marks a landmark moment for British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language in Northern Ireland. It is a powerful recognition of our languages, our culture and our community. We are proud to have worked in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive and welcome the unanimous support of MLAs at Stormont.
The hard work starts here. We need to work together to turn this legislation into meaningful change in people’s lives. The sign language community stands ready to work with government to set clear priorities and deliver real progress.
That means ensuring early access to sign language for deaf babies, children and their families; expanding the availability of public information in sign language; and empowering deaf signers to play a stronger, more visible role in shaping the decisions that affect our lives and our future.”
The BDA highlights that the Northern Ireland legislation is particularly notable for recognising both BSL and ISL, reflecting the region’s unique linguistic and cultural context. The Bill also places clear expectations on public bodies to actively promote and facilitate the use of sign languages, helping to ensure that recognition leads to tangible improvements in access and inclusion.
Having played a key role in campaigning for sign language legislation across the UK—including the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015, the BSL Act 2022 and more recently the BSL (Wales) Bill, passed by the Senedd in March 2026—the BDA sees this development as part of a broader movement towards equality and accessibility for Deaf communities.
The British Deaf Association looks forward to continuing its work with the Northern Ireland Executive and Deaf communities to support implementation and ensure the Bill delivers meaningful, lasting change.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Angela Ansell
British Deaf Association
angela.ansell@bda.org.uk
