The British Deaf Association congratulates #WhereistheInterpreter team on winning a key argument in the Judicial Review - the result of which was announced today.
This was that no British Sign Language interpretation was provided for the two scientific data briefings given by scientists and that, by not ensuring provision of this service for those two dates, the UK Government had failed in its Equality duties. The provision of interpretation by the BBC was accepted as discharging and accepting reasonable adjustment. The judgement sets the precedent that there must be equality of access via BSL Interpretation.
Well done to all involved. This is a big win for the Deaf Community of the UK.
This judgement lends further support and energy to the BDA's BSL Act Now! campaign, with support from key deaf organisations, to press ahead with its work on preparing and presenting documents on why we want - indeed, need - a BSL Act. In this, we are working closely with Rosie Cooper, MP, who has introduced this as a Private Member’s Bill.
We look to the UK Government to support this BSL Bill which will include a BSL Council that will influence government departments, provision of information at all levels including for national emergency or disaster announcements and above all, equality of access.
Equality of access. It is our right.