Council adopts new British Sign Language plan
Plans to promote and raise awareness of British Sign Language in Inverclyde have been set out by Inverclyde Council.
It’s the second British Sign Language (BSL) plan adopted by the local authority and covers up to 2030, after the previous one covered 2018-2024.
The new plan details that between now and 2030, Inverclyde Council will make a number of improvement actions, including:
• Improve access to information and services for BSL users, including making the website more accessible to BSL users.
• Promote the use of the Scottish Government’s nationally-funded BSL online interpreting video relay services, Contact Scotland BSL, to staff and local BSL users.
• Look at offering BSL and deaf awareness training more widely to Council employees, including Education Services’ staff.
• Explore the provision of formal, certified BSL training for front-line Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership staff who could come into contact with BSL users.
The BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 promotes the use of BSL in Scotland and requires local authorities to outline how they will promote and raise awareness of the language.
Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “This plan is detailed and comprehensive and shows our commitment as an authority to supporting people who use BSL.
“We are making BSL training available for council staff and elected members.
“Earlier this year we held a consultation to ask the community to tell us what they wanted to see in this plan and that has formed much of the basis of what we’ve put together.
“We are grateful for all feedback and hope that this plan continues to make a difference for BSL users in our community.”
A British Sign Language film explaining the new plan has been uploaded to the council’s YouTube account and is available to view by clicking the link above.