This week celebrates Sign Language Week – a week that aims to raise awareness, to educate, and to celebrate and preserve British Sign Language (BSL) for future generations. This year’s theme highlights that BSL is more than a language. It is culture, community and belonging.
The British Deaf Association state that BSL “is so much more than a language; it is the heart of our living. It is a place to belong and feel seen. A place that is rich with history, humour and activism.”
The number of BSL users currently living in Shetland is relatively low. Living on a small island has its challenges, but we want to make sure that those who live here, can “thrive and reach their full potential” (Shetland BSL plan 2024-30). To help towards this vision, we recognise the need to provide equitable health care: everyone has a right to feel heard, understood, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health.
We can’t make a change alone though – we can all play a part in society by being deaf aware and being mindful of the way we communicate; small changes can make a big difference. Deaf awareness tips – Deaf Action
BSL Fingerspelling Chart – British Deaf Association
BSL-Fingerspelling-Chart-1Capturing lived experience from BSL users in Shetland and improving accessibility in health centres
In 2022, we gathered lived experiences from BSL users to understand their personal experience of accessing primary care services and ways to improve it. You can read more about the project and BSL experiences here. The Health Improvement team are engaging and working alongside Primary Care Services to help identify and make positive, meaningful changes to improve accessibility and experience for BSL users.
Did you know?
Shetland’s BSL Plan 2024-2030 was published last year, and sets out the vision and actions that SIC and NHS Shetland will take to make Shetland a more thriving place for BSL users to live.
To access the plan click here: Diversity and Inclusion – Shetland Islands Council
BSL Resources & Support
For further resources around BSL support, you can find this on our Resources Tab at the top of the screen, or you can click here.
