Sign Language Week 2025: More Than a Language – Culture, Community, and Belonging

Sign Language Week 2025 is taking place from 17 – 23 March 2025, and this year's theme is More than a language: culture, community, and belonging. Organised by the British Deaf Association (BDA), this important week celebrates British Sign Language (BSL) and its significance within the Deaf community.

As a Deaf professional, I am proud to lead a team that embodies inclusivity and expertise. My team consists of native Deaf sign language users, hearing support workers fluent in BSL, and three fully qualified BSL interpreters (RSLI). Our shared goal is to promote BSL awareness and advocate for better accessibility in all areas of life.

BSL: More Than a Language

While many view sign language as simply a tool for communication, BSL is much more than that. It represents a rich culture, a shared history, and a strong sense of identity within the Deaf community. Through BSL, Deaf individuals can express emotions, share experiences, and engage fully in society. However, despite its formal recognition in 2003 and its legal recognition in 2022 across England, Scotland, and Wales, barriers still exist in areas such as employment, healthcare, and public services.

Common Misconceptions About BSL

BSL is a universal language – FALSE

Sign language varies from country to country, much like spoken languages. Even within the UK, regional variations of BSL exist.

BSL is the same as Makaton – FALSE

BSL is a fully developed language with its own grammar and syntax, while Makaton is a communication system that uses signs and symbols to support those with learning or communication difficulties.

Only Deaf people use BSL – FALSE

According to the BDA, 151,000 people in the UK use BSL, with 87,000 of them being Deaf people. Many hearing individuals, including family members, interpreters, and support workers, also use BSL to communicate effectively with the Deaf community.

How You Can Support Sign Language Week

Learn Basic BSL

Even a few simple signs can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Learning to sign basic greetings or common phrases can make a huge difference in helping BSL users feel appreciated and included.

Make Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace

Employers have a responsibility to ensure equal access for Deaf employees. Simple adjustments such as good lighting for lipreading, providing interpreters, or modifying meeting spaces can significantly improve accessibility. Resources for making these adjustments are available on the Signature website.

Why Sign Language Week Matters

Despite legal recognition, accessibility issues persist for BSL users. Many Deaf individuals still experience exclusion and isolation due to a lack of awareness and support. Sign Language Week aims to highlight these issues, educate the wider public, and advocate for change. By celebrating the cultural significance of BSL, we can shift perceptions and promote greater understanding and respect for Deaf identity.

British Sign Language is not just a means of communication—it is a lifeline, a community, and a source of belonging. Let’s work together to create a world where BSL users are fully included and valued in every aspect of society.

Empowering the Deaf Community Through Support and Advocacy

At Carron PA Support, we are a specialist Deaf-led support service based in Milton Keynes, dedicated to providing tailored assistance to Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-Hearing individuals and their families. Our team comprises native and fluent BSL users, all of whom have personal experience within the Deaf community and culture. This close connection allows us to offer services with genuine understanding and empathy, ensuring that our clients receive the personalised support they deserve.

Our Services

• Deaf Awareness Training

We provide training sessions to organisations and individuals aiming to improve their understanding of Deaf culture and effective communication methods.

• Advocacy Services

Our team offers advocacy to ensure that the rights and needs of Deaf individuals are recognised and met in various settings.

• Deafblind Communication Guide

We assist Deafblind individuals with specialised communication support to help them navigate daily challenges.

• Mentoring Services

Our mentoring services are designed to empower Deaf individuals, fostering personal and professional growth.

We collaborate with organisations including Health Watch Milton Keynes, to promote inclusivity and accessibility. Our commitment is to bridge the gap between standard services and the specific needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities, promoting independence, dignity, and empowerment.

British Sign Language is not just a means of communication—it is a lifeline, a community, and a source of belonging. Let’s work together to create a world where BSL users are fully included and valued in every aspect of society.

Join us in celebrating Sign Language Week 2025 and help raise awareness for a more inclusive future!