14 July 21
RAD investigation reveals lack of access to BSL advice for deaf people nationally
An investigation carried out by the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) into the accessibility of local advice services has revealed significant barriers for deaf people whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL).
The investigation, which was based on a Freedom of Information (FOI) exercise of all local authorities in England, showed that only around 12% of councils offer a high level of BSL advice provision – where deaf residents have access to a comprehensive information and advice service, in BSL. Most (41%) local authorities offered a middling level of provision, whilst more than a third (38%) had low or no BSL advice provision at all.
Despite pockets of high quality provision – most notably in large cities and metropolitan areas – most local authorities appeared to offer limited access to advice in BSL (for instance by providing an interpretation or Video Relay Service [VRS]), whilst a significant number provided little more than ad hoc support, sometimes via BSL-trained members of staff.
A survey, which was carried out as part of the research, also revealed a lack of specialist support for deaf people, with two-thirds (68%) of respondents saying they would go to friends or family for advice where they didn’t have access to a local BSL advice service. A number of respondents also reported going outside of their local area to seek accessible advice, whilst others said they would have to resort to an advice service that was not in BSL.
Sue Evans, Joint Chief Executive at RAD, said:
“Our research investigation tells an all too familiar story of councils failing to meet the needs of local deaf people. It is absolutely critical that deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users are able to access information and advice on a par with hearing people, and are not disadvantaged in any way. Whilst it is encouraging to see some examples of good practice, it is clear from our findings that deaf awareness remains very poor across much of local government. It is unacceptable that many deaf people are forced to depend on family or friends for access to critical or even life-saving information and advice”.
BSL (British Sign Language)
Royal Association for Deaf people: [ Ссылка ]
