Refreshed BSL Plan Launched

Dumfries and Galloway Council is pleased to publish our new British Sign Language (BSL) Plan. This plan demonstrates our commitment to make Dumfries and Galloway a better place for BSL users to live, work and learn and ensure BSL users voices are not only heard but fully understood.

Our updated plan builds on our initial 2018 to 2024 BSL Plan and will be in place until 2030.

Our plan has been developed through engagement with our local community and is a reflection of the insight provided by the participants and our shared ambitions for our work over the next six years.

Our BSL Plan outlines key actions across several priority areas -

• BSL Data – To understand who the BSL Community are and their demographics and understand the level of BSL qualifications across Dumfries and Galloway.

• BSL Awareness and Training – To increase both staff and the general public’s knowledge and awareness of BSL and provide training opportunities.

• BSL Accessibility – To ensure our Council services are accessible for BSL users.

• Transport – Work with the BSL community in Dumfries and Galloway to develop transport and travel information in an accessible format.

• BSL Culture – Ensure arts and museums services are accessible and relevant to BSL audiences, working to remove barriers to participation by building and strengthening relationships with BSL users and organisations.

• Access to Employment – To support BSL users in the recruitment, retention and development of our workforce.

• Education - All children and young people whose chosen means of communication is BSL have the support they need at all stages of their learning so they can reach their full potential.

Council Leader Gail Macgregor said:

“Our council is committed to equality of opportunity for all people within our community and our BSL Plan reflects this commitment by ensuring BSL users have equal access to information, services and opportunities within our Council”.

Our new BSL Plan is available in both British Sign Language and English and can be found on our website - https://dumgal.gov.uk/BSL-plan