Menu
05/04/2004
Human Rights Commission welcomes sign language recognition
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission today welcomed last week's announcement that the Government has formally recognised British and Irish Sign Languages as minority languages in Northern Ireland.
The Commission paid tribute to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) for the work it has done in persuading the Government to take this important step.
The Commission emphasised that it had long held the view that sign languages needed to be protected by law in Northern Ireland.
Brice Dickson, the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, said: “This formal recognition of British and Irish Sign Languages by the Government is long overdue. Deaf people’s basic right to communicate has for far too long gone unprotected by our law.
"We look forward to further practical steps being taken to give this recognition some real meaning. The Commission will be pleased to work with the RNID in trying to ensure that this happens.”
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy announced the news last week at a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
He said: "As well as helping to raise awareness of the particular requirements of deaf people, this recognition will also see the 11 Northern Ireland Government Departments joining forces to work proactively in partnership with representatives of the Deaf community to develop ideas for improving access to public services."
The Secretary of State explained that such improvements could, for example, include the provision of more tutors of sign language, better interpretation services and the installation of specialist equipment in public offices.
(MB)
The Commission paid tribute to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) for the work it has done in persuading the Government to take this important step.
The Commission emphasised that it had long held the view that sign languages needed to be protected by law in Northern Ireland.
Brice Dickson, the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, said: “This formal recognition of British and Irish Sign Languages by the Government is long overdue. Deaf people’s basic right to communicate has for far too long gone unprotected by our law.
"We look forward to further practical steps being taken to give this recognition some real meaning. The Commission will be pleased to work with the RNID in trying to ensure that this happens.”
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy announced the news last week at a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
He said: "As well as helping to raise awareness of the particular requirements of deaf people, this recognition will also see the 11 Northern Ireland Government Departments joining forces to work proactively in partnership with representatives of the Deaf community to develop ideas for improving access to public services."
The Secretary of State explained that such improvements could, for example, include the provision of more tutors of sign language, better interpretation services and the installation of specialist equipment in public offices.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2019
NI Council Introduces Digital Sign Language System
Communication will hopefully become a little easier for deaf residents and visitors to the North Coast, thanks to a new digital sign language system.
NI Council Introduces Digital Sign Language System
Communication will hopefully become a little easier for deaf residents and visitors to the North Coast, thanks to a new digital sign language system.
15 March 2022
Events Launched To Mark Sign Language Week
Belfast City Council and the Sign Language Users Forum have announced a series of special events at the city's newest arts space, 2 Royal Avenue, to mark Sign Language Week. Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl, opened the programme of events joined by members of the Deaf community and Deaf organisations.
Events Launched To Mark Sign Language Week
Belfast City Council and the Sign Language Users Forum have announced a series of special events at the city's newest arts space, 2 Royal Avenue, to mark Sign Language Week. Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl, opened the programme of events joined by members of the Deaf community and Deaf organisations.
23 March 2018
Health Trust Apologises After Daughter Had To Tell Deaf Father He Was Terminally Ill
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has apologised and paid £7,000, without admission of liability, to the family of a profoundly deaf County Antrim man, now deceased, after his daughter had to tell him his illness was terminal.
Health Trust Apologises After Daughter Had To Tell Deaf Father He Was Terminally Ill
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has apologised and paid £7,000, without admission of liability, to the family of a profoundly deaf County Antrim man, now deceased, after his daughter had to tell him his illness was terminal.
31 March 2004
British and Irish Sign Languages now official
Both British and Irish Sign Languages are now officially recognised in Northern Ireland. Secretary of State, Paul Murphy last night announced the news during a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
British and Irish Sign Languages now official
Both British and Irish Sign Languages are now officially recognised in Northern Ireland. Secretary of State, Paul Murphy last night announced the news during a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the success of the European Year of People with Disabilities.
23 August 2024
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
