NI to be first part of UK to offer free sign language classes for deaf children

Free sign language classes to be offered for deaf children in UK first2 hours agoShareSaveAdd 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 being 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 long time" for the law."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."The legislation will also give official and equal recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as languages of Northern Ireland and promote the use and understanding of sign languages.It was introduced in the Northern Ireland Assembly by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in February last year, who had committed to bring the bill shortly after taking office.'Brilliant first step'Anthony, a Belfast-based sports coach, and his wife, Kristina, who is a registered language interpreter, brought their three children up using sign language."Our language at home is sign language. When I'm not here they talk to each other in English, but they naturally switch to sign language when I come home," said Anthony.When he was 11 his family moved to England as the education system at the time in Northern Ireland didn't offer GCSEs for deaf students."It was hard leaving home and the life I had to move to a school environment, but ther...