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Northern Ireland is set to become the first region within the United Kingdom to offer free sign language lessons to all deaf children and their families, following the passage of new legislation on Tuesday. The Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025 mandates that the Department for Communities must provide these classes to deaf individuals under 25 years old, as well as their close relatives, guardians, and carers. The bill also formally recognizes British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as official languages of Northern Ireland, aiming to increase awareness and use of sign languages across the region.
Anthony Sinclair, a Belfast-based sports coach who is profoundly deaf, expressed his relief at the introduction of the law after many years of campaigning by the deaf community. He explained, “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.” Anthony, along with his wife Kristina—a registered language interpreter of 18 years—has raised their three children in a household where sign language is the primary means of communication. Reflecting on his own experience, Anthony recalled how his family moved to England when he was 11 because Northern Ireland did not offer GCSEs catering to deaf students at the time. He described the move as difficult but necessary, emphasizing the importance of equal educational opportunities for deaf children.
Kristina highlighted the positive impact the legislation could have beyond just providing courses. She noted, “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.” Anthony further emphasized the cultural significance of the law, hoping it would foster a broader understanding of sign language as a visual language and encourage people to learn it as a new skill, along with its associated culture and history. He described the legal change as a “positive time for us as we walk into the future.”
The new bill also imposes a legal duty on public institutions to take reasonable steps to ensure that information and services are equally accessible to members of the deaf community. Officials estimate that around 5,000 people in Northern Ireland primarily use BSL or ISL to communicate. The anticipated annual cost of enhanced services—such as increased availability of interpreters and translators—is about £3 million. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons celebrated the moment, stating, “This landmark new law will send a clear signal that Deaf people and sign language users are valued members of our society. For all of us, this is a day that truly merits being described as historic.” He described the work as a privilege, done in close partnership with the deaf community
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