North Wales MS and Chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Deaf Issues has today called for a Welsh Government Statement on Sign Language Rights.
Mr Isherwood, whose British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill consultation will be launched soon, made the request in this afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament during the Business Statement.
He said:
“Last week was this year's International Week of Deaf People, a time when people come together to recognise and celebrate the vibrant Deaf community. This year's theme is 'Sign Up for Sign Language Rights'.
“As well as feeling connected to the Deaf community, Deaf people should also feel connected to wider society and those without a hearing impairment. Where people come together to show awareness of Deaf people within communities, Deaf people can be helped to better connect to others. Through the International Week, people could become better educated about how to communicate with Deaf people, contributing to positive change and breaking down barriers. Each day of the week had an official theme, including Sign Language Advocacy, where everyone is encouraged to actively advocate for the rights of Deaf individuals and the official recognition of national sign languages. Last Monday (23rd September) was the International Day of Sign Languages, with the theme 'Sign Up for Sign Language Rights', which included a call on National Leaders. I therefore call for a Statement by the Welsh Government on Sign Language Rights in Wales accordingly.”
Responding, the Trefnydd (Business Manager), Jane Hutt MS, thanked Mr Isherwood for “raising this very important issue”.
She added:
“I think it is really important that we look at what we are doing in Wales. You know that Welsh Government is making provisions to promote and facilitate the use of BSL and its tactile forms in Wales, and we do think that a more collaborative, inclusive approach will be effective if we can have a positive impact on the BSL signing community of Wales.”