This week, 16 – 22 March, is Sign Language Week. The week aims to raise awareness of sign language, and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community behind it.
As part of the week, we’re highlighting British Sign Language (BSL). BSL is a recognised language in Scotland. It has its own grammar, history and culture, and for many Deaf and Deafblind people it is their first or preferred language.
Deafblind people are also part of the BSL community. Depending on their vision and hearing, they may use tactile BSL, hands‑on signing, or other forms of communication.
Helpful support and advice is available from Deafblind Scotland, a national charity offering guidance, training and support for professionals, carers and communities: dbscotland.org.uk
The British Deaf Association is also offering free online BSL sessions for organisations, delivered by Deaf BSL tutors during Sign Language Week. You can find more information here - Company BSL Lesson | Sign Language Week
Useful support and information:
- ContactScotland - BSL users can connect with NHS Shetland, NHS 24, Shetland Islands Council using Contact Scotland
- NHS Shetland Audiology services
- Hearing Support in Shetland Schools
- Occupational Therapy – Assessment and information on hearing loss support in Shetland
- Healthy Shetland BSL Support - BSL Support - Healthy Shetland
- NHS Inform BSL - British Sign Language (BSL) | NHS inform - health information in BSL
- SignHealth – Health information in BSL - British Sign Language Health Video Library - SignHealth - health information in BSL (video library)
- RNID drop‑in services at various locations across Shetland, plus online resources: Services directory - RNID and RNID - National hearing loss charity
- C2hear C2 hear online - videos on hearing aids and resources for families
- Hear Together Information & resources about deafness & hearing technology - information and resources about deafness and hearing technology
- Auditory Verbal UK provide resources on communication support for children: https://www.avuk.org
- Deaf Action Information & advice - Deaf Action and Befriending service - Deaf Action - information, advice and a befriending service