Question reference: S2W-32122
- Asked by: Donald Gorrie, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 28 February 2007
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Current status: Answered by Rhona Brankin on 12 March 2007
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the policy of regarding the 70,000 deaf people who use British Sign Language as belonging to a different language and cultural group, rather than as having a disability or communication impairment.
Answer
The Scottish Executive supportsthe policy of regarding deaf people who useBritish Sign Language (BSL) as belonging to a different language and cultural group. This is acknowledged in our draft Language Strategy,published for consultation on 5 February 2007. The draft Strategy states that BSLis a real, full and living language that is part of our rich cultural heritage.
We also recognise that the definitionof disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 may include deaf people.Our policies in relation to disability are therefore inclusive of BSL users andthis approach is supported by our BSL and Linguistic Access Working Group whichincludes representatives from deaf organisations.