Sign Language

Both British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) were embraced within the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and in March 2004 the Secretary of State announced the formal recognition of BSL and ISL as languages in their own right following similar recognition of BSL in Great Britain.

Sign languages have their own grammar and syntax systems rather than being visual reflections of other languages. BSL is the first or preferred language of communication of approximately 3,500 members of the Deaf population of Northern Ireland while approximately 1,500 use ISL

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A partnership group led by DCAL and including representatives of Northern Ireland Departments and the Deaf community has been reviewing issues of access to public services by users of sign languages.

Best Practice Guidance on the provision of public services to BSL and ISL users has been compiled and distributed for use by staff in government departments. Appendixes to the Guidance provide additional information and contact details

An exhibition to raise awareness of BSL and ISL has been touring public buildings since September 2006 and is also available to voluntary, community and other organisations for use at suitable events.

To request the use of the exhibition for a conference/seminar or for display in a public location, please contact Cultural and Language Diversity Policy Branch by telephone on 028 9025 4224, by e-mail to CLDPB@dcalni.gov.uk or by textphone on 028 9052 7668

The Partnership Group commissioned external consultants to identify options for increasing the number of sign language interpreters and tutors in Northern Ireland.  The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) is now working with further education training providers to develop courses to NVQ 4 level.  If a sustainable demand for courses to this level is demonstrated the provision of further specialised training for interpreters, tutors and to degree level will then be considered.