Northern Ireland Offers Free Sign Language Classes

0:00On April 27, Northern Ireland just made history as the first part of the UK to offer free sign language classes to all deaf kids under 25, and their families. The new sign language bill passed on Tuesday putting a legal duty on the department for communities to roll out those classes. It also gives official equal status to British sign language and Irish sign language right there in Northern Ireland. Here this year, communities minister Gordon Lyons introduced the bill back in February of last year, promising quick action after taking office. Unlike laws in England, Scotland and Wales that just recognize British sign language without free classes for everyone, this one goes further by, mandating accessibility. Deaf campaigners like sports coach Anthony Sinclair, whose profoundly deaf, are breathing a sigh of relief after years of pushing for change. Key and his interpreter wife raised their three kids in sign language, and folks like lifelong advocates John Carberry and Brian Simmington have fought.

1:01For four decades to get here, the minister called it a landmark, celebrating the deaf community as valued members of society. Public bodies now have to take real steps to make their info and services just as easy for deaf people to access as for everyone else. Officials estimate at least 5,000 folks in Northern Ireland rely on British or Irish sign language daily, so this could open doors wide. With classes starting up and recognition locked in, the deaf community in Northern Ireland is stepping into a brighter, more equal future.