Free sign language classes to be offered for deaf children in UK first
Northern Ireland will be the first region in the UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children and their families. The new law, known as the Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025, mandates the provision of these classes for individuals under 25. The legislation also recognizes British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language as official languages of Northern Ireland, promoting their use and understanding.
- ▪The Sign Language Bill was passed unanimously by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
- ▪The law requires the Department for Communities to provide free sign language classes for deaf individuals under 25 and their families.
- ▪The bill aims to address long-standing inequalities faced by the deaf community in Northern Ireland.
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NI to be first part of UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children28 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJayne McCormack,Political correspondentandEmma Orr,BBC News NIBBCAnthony Sinclair, who is profoundly deaf, said he's relieved the law is imminent after years of campaigningNorthern Ireland will become the first part of the UK to provide free sign language classes to all deaf children and their families, through a new sign language law that was passed on Tuesday.The Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025 will put a duty on the Department for Communities to provide free classes for deaf people under-25 and their close families, guardians, and carers.Anthony Sinclair, who is profoundly deaf, said he is relieved after campaigners like him "had to fight for such a…
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