British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group (BSL&LAWG)
Since 2000 the Government has convened and chaired a British Sign Language (BSL) and Linguistic Access Working Group. The working group consists of representatives from deaf organisations and Government officials. It enables the Government to discuss issues at the heart of linguistic access for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people.
Remit
To develop a strategy for improving linguistic access for deaf people in Scotland
To raise awareness of deaf issues among policy makers, professionals, service providers, deaf people and the general public
Consider how best to support BSL and Deaf awareness
Consider how best to support education and training provision in BSL, deaf studies and linguistic access
Current Work
In August 2009, the Working Group published their report looking at BSL and Linguistic Access in Scotland. The report, The Long and Winding Road - A Roadmap to British Sign Language & Linguistic Access in Scotland has been developed to contribute to the knowledge the Scottish Government requires in making informed judgements about linguistic access when it is formulating, revising, or implementing, policy. It is intended to be a resource for government and whilst it is primarily aimed at central government officials, it should also be of use to other bodies, such as local authorities.
The Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil MSP welcomed the report in a statement issued in August 2009.
In February 2009, the Working Group published the research report 'British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group Scoping Study: Linguistic Access to Education for Deaf Pupils and Students in Scotland'
There is also an executive summary of the Scoping Study: Linguistic Access to Education for Deaf Pupils and Students in Scotland available here.
The Working Group's role is to investigate the tasks identified in the various relevant reports and activities already underway (such as the SASLI Building Bridges Project) identify duplication and gaps and provide specific practical recommendations to the Scottish Government on improving the linguistic access of individuals.
For further information about the group and its work please use the links below:
Remit
Update
Membership of Working Group
Minutes of Working Group Meetings
Satellite Groups