British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan 2023-2029: Analysis of consultation responses
Thousands of Scottish citizens rely on British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate. To support them and the use of the language, the Scottish Government plans to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to live, visit, and learn.
Between July and September 2023, the Scottish Government held a public consultation on its draft BSL National Plan for 2023-2029. Alma Economics was commissioned to analyse the responses to that consultation and provide an independent report.
The consultation questions addressed the plan’s key priorities, as well as views on the government-funded Contact Scotland BSL online interpreting Video Relay Service. Responses to the consultation were accepted through the Citizen Space online platform, email, post, and social media. An additional way to contribute was through participation in dedicated community engagement events. Over 40 such events were held between June 30th and September 3rd.
Respondents included individual citizens, local councils, academic institutions, representatives from public bodies (including executive agencies and the NHS), third-sector service delivery organisations, and organisations representing the Deaf, Deafblind, and BSL communities.
Our team conducted a descriptive analysis of the answers to the multiple-choice questions, after which we used thematic analysis to identify common themes raised in responses to the open-text questions and during the community events. We identified 5 overarching themes that appeared most frequently:
Focus on clear, tangible and measurable actions
Several respondents brought up the need for tangible, measurable actions to be included in the BSL National Plan. In particular, respondents asked for clearly articulated actions for each key priority, described in plain English, to make sure the plan will explicitly commit the Scottish Government to delivering on its promises.
Continuous collaboration with BSL users
Across several themes and questions, respondents raised the importance of working with the BSL community itself throughout the development and implementation of the BSL National Plan 2023-2029. Some of the answers were wary of tokenistic or ‘tick-box’ actions, urging the Scottish Government to engage in continuous dialogue with BSL representatives.
Equal opportunity and inclusion
All respondents understood equal access, opportunity, representation, and inclusion for all BSL users as a fundamental right of Scottish citizens. Access to essential services such as healthcare and transport were considered most urgent. The freedom to make informed decisions about their communication preferences and access to public life was considered a key measure of equality.
Promote BSL as a language and culture
Also important to most respondents was the promotion of BSL as both a language and a culture. BSL users described their rich, vibrant and unique culture, which they believed should be more widely shared. Two key benefits of this approach were identified: it would promote a greater understanding of the BSL community as a whole and would strengthen their sense of identity, inclusion and belonging.
Inclusion of the whole D/deaf community
Multiple responses expressed the concern that certain groups within the D/deaf community would be overlooked by the BSL National Plan 2023-2029. Respondents stressed the importance of an intersectional approach that understands the diverse experiences and needs of users of BSL.
Our analysis was used to inform the development of the BSL National Plan 2023-2029, supporting Scotland’s ambitions to promote BSL in the country. Our report can be found here.