A VOTE in Senedd on March 11 has been hailed as ‘critical step in the right direction’ for the Deaf community, ensuring that the distinct language and culture of BSL signers is recognised.

Following the vote in favour of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, The BSL Wales Consortium* called it a historic milestone and said:

“The passing of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill in the Senedd ensures that the distinct language and culture of BSL signers is recognised. The Welsh Government is now required to take action to address the long-standing inequalities that our community experiences.

“For too long, BSL signers have had to navigate inaccessible public services every day; they have had their language needs denied across healthcare, education, transport, and more. The Bill’s passing is a critical step in the right direction to address this. The experience and expectations of Deaf BSL signers can be central to how we improve public services across Wales.

“This Bill is the result of years of campaigning by the Deaf community, and its passage is thanks to cross-party support and recognition of its importance. Thank you to everyone who has got us here; all the campaigners, organisations and supporters in the Senedd, in particular, Mark Isherwood MS, who has led the Bill and been a tireless advocate for the Deaf community within the Senedd.”

*The BSL Wales Consortium was formed in 2024 to bring together Deaf BSL signer campaigners, organisations and charities representing deaf BSL users in Wales in support of a BSL (Wales) Bill. It consists of Alison Bryan (Co-Chair), Dr Rob Wilks (Co-Chair), ABSLTA (Association of BSL Teachers and Assessors), Action Deafness Cymru, ASLI, British Deaf Association, COS (The Centre of Sign-Sight-Sound), National Deaf Children’s Society Cymru, NRCPD, RNID, Signature, Talking Hands Deaf Children and Young people and VLP.