Two important milestone in the BSL community calendar
- Sign Language Week in March
- National BSL Day on 28th April
On 28 April 2022, the British Sign Language (BSL) Act was passed by the UK Parliament, recognising BSL as an indigenous language of Great Britain.
“To commemorate this milestone, the BDA has proposed that the Deaf community now celebrate National BSL Day every year on 28 April”
Introduction: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Through Sign Language
This week marks an extraordinary celebration of diversity and inclusion within our communities through the lens of Sign Language Week 2024. Amidst the annual observance that commemorates the recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) as an official language, we delve into the efforts of Remark! in campaigning for the BSL Act and their innovative approach to elevating BSL awareness with a dash of humour through their BSL Police videos. Join us as we explore the myriad ways Sign Language Week is breaking barriers, forging connections, and fostering an inclusive future with the support of Remark!.
The Importance of Sign Language in Our Societies
Sign language is more than a communication tool; it's a bridge between the deaf and hearing worlds, fostering inclusivity and understanding. Explore how BSL and ISL are crucial in bridging communities.
Throughout this week across the quiet beaches and bustling streets of Great Britain, the threads of silence and expression are woven to create a young and vibrant tapestry. There, quiet but mighty, stands the British Sign Language as a testament to the resilience of the Deaf community. March ushers in the Sign Language Week, illuminating the accomplishments, struggles, and dreams of the Deaf community, fostering awareness and inclusivity.
As we navigate from the joy of March, we are led to a significant moment - the 28th of April, National BSL Day, celebrating the recognition of BSL as an indigenous language of Great Britain through the BSL Act. This Act, marking a pivotal point in the Deaf community's quest for equality, ensures the celebration, protection, and promotion of BSL nationwide.
The narratives of Jane, a Deaf educator bringing inspiration to her students through BSL, and Tom, a hearing individual who embraced BSL to deepen his connection with the Deaf community, reflect the transformative impact of BSL. These stories, though fictional, echo the experiences of many whose lives have been touched by BSL.
Sign Language Week and National BSL Day transcend mere dates on the calendar, embodying the essence of identity, culture, and community. Through workshops, performances, and storytelling, these events craft a tale of resilience, diversity, and unity, inviting us to engage in a world where every voice can be heard. The power of these events is immeasurable, calling us to dance through workshops and performances, laugh through storytelling, and seek wisdom through lessons. Listening with our eyes and speaking with our hands, we celebrate the vibrance of BSL and the tales she weaves.
Corporate Engagement and Workplace Inclusivity
Learn how businesses and organizations are participating in Sign Language Week to promote workplace inclusivity, improve communication, and embrace cultural diversity. We provide Deaf Awareness courses to companies.
Conclusion: A Step Towards an Inclusive Future
Sign Language Week 2024 is more than a celebration; it's a movement towards embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive society. By participating in and supporting BSL and ISL initiatives, we contribute to a world where everyone is heard, understood, and valued.
FAQs on Sign Language Week 2024
1. Why is Sign Language Week important? Sign Language Week plays a vital role in promoting BSL and ISL, raising awareness of deaf culture, and advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of society.
2. How can I participate in Sign Language Week? Individuals and organizations can engage in various activities, from attending events to learning sign language and promoting awareness on social media.
3. Are there resources for beginners interested in learning sign language? Yes, numerous online platforms, community classes, and events during Sign Language Week offer beginner courses in BSL and ISL.
4. How does Sign Language Week promote workplace inclusivity? By encouraging businesses to participate in sign language lessons and awareness activities, Sign Language Week fosters a more inclusive and accessible workplace environment.
5. Can learning sign language benefit hearing individuals? Absolutely. Learning sign language enhances communication skills, cultural awareness, and fosters empathy, benefiting everyone in society. Come along to our free BSL class.
Elevating BSL with Deaf Humour: The BSL Police Videos
Learn about Remark!'s creative approach to promoting BSL awareness through entertaining and educational content, such as the BSL Police videos, which use humor to engage and educate both the deaf and hearing communities.
Latest News
What is the BSL Act?
The British Sign Language Act 2022 was a long-awaited piece of legislation for the Deaf community in the United Kingdom; a landmark law set to recognise BSL as an official language in the UK and provide more support for the Deaf community.
We will have a look at what the act is, and what it means for us as we strive to Protect, Preserve and Promote BSL.
The History
The UK government recognised BSL as a language in its own right back in 2003, but it wasn't until 2015 that BSL was officially recognised as a language, and that was only in Scotland! In 2018, the UK government published its first BSL National Plan, which aimed to improve access to services and opportunities for BSL users.
In 2020, a private member's bill called the ‘British Sign Language (BSL) Bill’ was introduced to the UK Parliament. The bill proposed to give BSL full legal recognition as an official language of the UK, and require the government to promote and facilitate the use of BSL. The bill received cross-party support and was eventually passed into law as the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2021 by the Scottish Parliament.
What is the BSL Act 2022?
The BSL Act 2022 is a piece of legislation that aims to recognise British Sign Language as an official language in the UK. The act was passed in the UK Parliament in March 2022.
The act will provide legal recognition to BSL, which means that public bodies will have a duty to promote and facilitate the use of BSL.
Why is the BSL Act 2022 important?
The BSL Act 2022 is a significant milestone from a legal stand point as well as by promoting its use in public life. It will help raise awareness of the language and the Deaf community, and encourage more people to learn BSL.
The act will also provide additional support for the Deaf community. Remark! know the barriers Deaf people often face in accessing services and information, and the BSL Act 2022 will require public bodies to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that Deaf people can access these services and information in BSL.
The BSL Act 2022 will have a huge positive impact on education. Deaf children often struggle in mainstream education, and the act will promote the use of BSL in schools and provide support for Deaf children to learn and achieve more.
So what are the key provisions of the BSL Act 2022?
They include:
Legal recognition of BSL as an official language in the UK.
A duty on public bodies to promote and facilitate the use of BSL.
A duty on public bodies to provide access to services and information in BSL.
A duty on public bodies to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that deaf people are not discriminated against.
A duty on public bodies to produce and publish BSL plans.
A duty on public bodies to consult with the deaf community on matters relating to BSL.
As you can see, the BSL Act 2022 is an essential part of protecting, preserving and promoting BSL. Remark! are excited to support and champion the Act, and are working to ensure all that was promised by the government, is delivered.