Northern Ireland MLAs get intro to sign language at Stormont event

MLAs received a practical introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) at a taster event at Stormont on Monday 24 February. 

The event, organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society, was arranged to celebrate the progress of the groundbreaking Sign Language Bill through the Assembly.  

The Bill recognises and promotes BSL and ISL, and places duties on public bodies to ensure that they are fully accessible to individuals in the deaf community. 

Around 25 MLAs, officials and a councillor attended the charity’s drop-in event, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.  

The attendees were given a whistle-stop history of sign language and learnt some useful day-to-day and work-related signs in BSL and ISL in a lively, informal session. 

The event took place during what has been a momentous period for sign language users across Northern Ireland. On Tuesday 18 February, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons introduced the second stage of the Bill and delivered the first part of his speech to the Assembly in sign language.  

Mr Lyons described the Bill as a “...long-awaited step forward in achieving the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community”.  

Deirdre Vaughan, Government Relations Advisor in the Northern Ireland Office of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: 

“We’re very happy at the progress of the Sign Language Bill through Stormont. It promises to be a great step forward and we fully support its ambition to make Northern Ireland a more accessible and inclusive place for deaf children and young people.   

“We organised the event to give MLAs first-hand experience of BSL and ISL. We hope it gave them a valuable insight into the richness of sign language, a few everyday signs they’ll be able to use, plus a taster of the fascinating history of sign language and deaf culture. 

“The Bill is designed to transform the lives of Northern Ireland’s deaf community and we’re hopeful it will lead to lasting change. We promise not to rest until every barrier preventing deaf children and young people from leading full and happy lives has been dismantled.” 

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, commented: 

"This was a really informative event for MLAs, promoting the importance of sign language and engaging on these important policy issues with elected reps from across all parties. I particularly enjoyed learning some sign language, and as MLAs we look forward to progressing the important Sign Language legislation."