What is British Sign Language?

In Scotland, there are approximately 6,000 deaf people whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL).

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, it is unlawful for a service provider (purchaser) to discriminate by offering a lower standard of service or providing a service in a worse manner to deaf people.

Sign Language users have the same human rights to equal opportunities and quality of life as others. I was privileged to be involved in the campaign for recognition of BSL as an official language. In February 2000 I, and many members of the Deaf community, lobbied politicians at the Scottish Parliament and, in 2003, BSL gained the recognition it deserves. Deaf sign language users are now entitled to full access to information and services in all aspects of life.