British Sign Language (BSL) is an entirely visual language in its own right with its own grammar, syntax and structure. Sign language is not based upon, nor does it follow the structure of English. It is as complex and sophisticated as any spoken language and as such underpins a unique Deaf subculture. There are 70,000 people in the UK whose first or preferred language is BSL. For many of these people English is, at best, a second language.

Therefore communication produced in written or audible English is simply not accessible to Deaf people. Just as with other linguistic minorities, deaf people have difficulty accessing information in the majority language. Recent legislation has taken steps to protect their rights to access.

As BSL is a language of space and movement, using the hands, body and face, it can really only be successfully recorded for distribution on film or video. It is therefore not unreasonable under the provisions of this Act for the deaf community to expect the provision of BSL video versions of every single existing public information video, leaflet or publication.

If your organisation produces information for public consumption, then you will want to make sure that your message reaches everyone, including the Deaf community. Making a video in BSL ensures that Deaf people have access to information about your organisation and its services and that you are complying with your obligations under recent legislation.