NI to be first part of UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children
Summary
Northern Ireland will be the first area in the UK to offer free sign language classes to deaf children and their families following a new law. This law also officially recognizes British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as equal languages in Northern Ireland.Key Facts
- The Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025 requires free sign language classes for deaf people under 25 and their families.
- The law gives official equal status to BSL and ISL in Northern Ireland.
- Public bodies must make information and services accessible to deaf people by law.
- About 5,000 people in Northern Ireland use BSL or ISL to communicate.
- Providing more sign language services will cost around £3 million each year.
- There are currently around 44 registered sign language interpreters in Northern Ireland.
- The bill was introduced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in February last year.
- Deaf campaigners say the law marks a positive change in recognition and respect for sign language and deaf culture.
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