Actions to help improve the lives of British Sign Language (BSL) users have been published as part of ongoing work to make Scotland the best place to live, work and visit for people that use the language.

The BSL National Plan 2023-29 has made 45 commitments aimed at tackling barriers faced by BSL users by embedding the language across health, education, transport, culture and employment.

Commitments made include:

- building the right partnerships and connections to ensure deaf and deafblind children and their families can access BSL support at an early stage

- improving accessibility to arts and culture events, in addition to promoting BSL culture

- working with Transport Scotland and transport operators on solutions to make public transport easier to use for BSL users

- improving accessibility of the Scottish Government website for BSL user

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I welcome this plan from the Scottish Government which recognises how important BSL is to the lives of many people and aims to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to visit and live in.

“These 45 commitments will improve access to vital services and provide more opportunities for BSL users to contribute further to Scotland’s economy, culture and communities.

“The BSL community should be at heart of our decision-making process in this area, which is why the Scottish Government will also establish a BSL National Plan Implementation Advisory Group, to ensure that the views of the community are properly represented.”