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NI to be first part of UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children
TL;DR
Northern Ireland will be the first UK region to offer free sign language classes for deaf children and their families through a new law. The Sign Language Bill mandates the Department for Communities to provide these classes for individuals under 25 and their close relatives.
Key points
- Northern Ireland will offer free sign language classes for deaf children
- The Sign Language Bill mandates classes for individuals under 25
- British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language will be officially recognized
- The law promotes understanding and use of sign languages
- Campaigners have advocated for this change for a long time
Mentioned in this story
Anthony Sinclair
Sign Language BillBritish Sign LanguageIrish Sign Language
Northern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to provide free sign language classes to all deaf children and their families, through a new sign language law being passed on Tuesday.
The Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025 will put a duty on the Department for Communities to provide free classes for deaf people under-25 and their close families, guardians, and carers.
Anthony Sinclair, who is profoundly deaf, said he is relieved after campaigners like him "had to fight for such a long time" for the law.
"We're starting to see systemic change where we're seen as equal and we really do look forward to feeling that respect for our language, our culture and our values."
The legislation will also give official and equal recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as languages of Northern Ireland and promote the use and understanding of sign languages.
It was introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in February last year, who had committed to bring the bill shortly after taking office.
Anthony, a Belfast-based sports coach, and his wife, Kristina, who is a registered language interpreter, brought their three children up using sign language.
"Our language at home is sign language. When I'm not here they talk to each other in English, but they naturally switch to sign language when I come home," said Anthony.
When he was 11 his family moved to England as the education system at the time in Northern Ireland didn't offer GCSEs for deaf students.
"It was hard leaving home and the life I had to move to a school environment, but there was no choice as far as we could see, but it was difficult," he said.
"Other children have the opportunities, everything they need is here and it should be the same for deaf children."
Anthony moved back to Northern Ireland as an adult and met Kristina, who was already working as an interpreter.
She has been doing that job for 18 years and also worked as an interpreter at Stormont, providing updates for the deaf community at executive press conferences during the Covid pandemic.
Kristina described the new laws as a "brilliant first step" to providing more opportunities for the deaf community.
"As good as a course is, when you learn a living language with people who use it and own it, creating those opportunities will make a massive difference for improving the quality of interpreters here too," she said.
Anthony spoke of his "relief" that the laws were imminent, after years many of campaigning by the deaf community for an act to be introduced at Stormont.
Q&A
What is the Sign Language Bill in Northern Ireland?
The Sign Language Bill mandates the provision of free sign language classes for all deaf children under 25 and their families in Northern Ireland.
When will the Sign Language Bill be implemented?
The Sign Language Bill is set to be passed on Tuesday, marking a significant change in support for the deaf community in Northern Ireland.
What languages will be recognized under the new law?
The legislation will officially recognize British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as languages of Northern Ireland.
Who advocated for the Sign Language Bill in Northern Ireland?
Campaigners, including individuals like Anthony Sinclair, who is profoundly deaf, have fought for the law to ensure equal recognition and support for the deaf community.
