Did you know that the constitutions of Finland¹, South Africa² and Canada³ contain provisions recognising the right to use sign language?

1. Section 17, Constitution as amended in 1995 and in 2000 [back]
2. Section 6, Constitution as of 1996 [back]
3. Section 14, Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms 1982 [back]

“The BDA has become concerned about the general lack of awareness of BSL, as well as dropping standards in BSL Teaching, so has created these new forms of training, support and resources to try to solve the problem. Unlike previous courses, the curricula material is fully accessible in both BSL and English, and is believed to be the first of its kind.”

Friday’s Press Release is the final release this week.

Now if you are unable to sign, go out and learn.

“British Deaf Association has announced that any money raised from its BSL assessments will go directly back to the Sign Language Community.

The funds received by both the BDA and the Area Deaf Associations will be used only for further developments of BSL.”

Thursday’s Press Release.

BSL Teacher June Smith commented: ?I think the six-week course is great. With the 30-week courses, there is a high dropout rate. Lots of people don?t finish it and it is hard for those with potential to move on. But with a six-week course, those with potential can complete the first course then move on.?

Wednesday’s Press Release.

“The BDA Chair, Doug Alker, explained: ?Deaf Awareness is generally formed on the medical model relating to the ear and audiological concerns. BSL Awareness is to do with people who use a different language, and their rights to full social inclusion. The ear is the last thing that BSL users would think about!?”

Tuesday’s Press Release.

As part of the BDA’s Learn to Sign Week, the BBC homepage is promoting it. As a website that generates a high volume of traffic, this is an extremely postive move.

This week is the BDA’s Learn to Sign week. Whilst this is not strictly a legal topic, the importance of promoting the usage of BSL is important.

Monday’s Press Release focuses on an the launch of two new websites:

Sign Academy
BSL Institute

both of which are presented with BSL as the primary language.