Share your views: British Sign Language National Plan 2023 to 2029

When the British Sign Language (BSL) Act 2015 (Scotland) was passed eight years ago, the Scottish Government set a plan to ensure deaf and deafblind BSL users are fully involved in all aspects of daily and public life. The 2017 to 2023 plan is ending soon and a new six-year plan for 2023 to 2029 is currently out for public consultation.

We’re working with the Scottish Government to gather feedback from parents and deaf young people in Scotland. Fill out our short survey to share your experiences of accessing and learning BSL in Scotland and your views on the next BSL National Plan.

View this blog in British Sign Language

The BSL Nation Plan 2023 to 2029

The new six-year plan for 2023 to 2029 has six key priorities that the Scottish Government want to achieve:

1. Improving information about who uses BSL in Scotland.
2. Addressing the shortage of BSL interpreters and other professionals in Scotland.
3. Support for deaf children and their families learning BSL in the early years.
4. Improving access to, and use of, BSL by Scottish public services.
5. Promoting Deaf heritage and culture in BSL.
6. Accessing social care and wellbeing services in BSL.

We believe priority three is particularly important. The early years are a crucial time for language and communication development. All parents of deaf children in Scotland should have the choice to learn sign language without financial or geographical barriers making it hard to access classes.

Let us know which priorities are important to you by sharing your feedback with us. You can also respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation online.

Other ways to get involved

Sign up to our Campaigns Network and follow our Scottish Twitter and Facebook to make sure you don’t miss any updates on the BSL National Plan.