Council information online in British Sign Language

This news release is also available in British Sign Language.

Access to Highland Council Services for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing has recently been improved with the introduction of information provided in British Sign Language (BSL) on the Council’s website.

Eight video clips of around 3 minutes long cover information about accessing Highland Councillors and each of the 7 council services including:

The video clips and additional information for Deaf or hard of hearing people is on the Council’s website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/bsl.htm. The web pages were developed as a result of feedback from the Deaf community in the Highlands.

Councillor Drew Millar, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee said: “I am delighted that we now have BSL information on Council services available. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that people are treated fairly and with respect as we work towards meeting specific duties of the Equality Act (2010).

Filmed by Deaf Action, Highland Council’s current BSL communication support provider, the clips are also being published on DVD and will be available in Council Service Points and the Deaf Centre in Kenneth Street.

A new clip is also being filmed regarding waste collection and recycling centres which will be add to the Council’s website in due course. Highland Council will be consulting with the deaf community in the next few months to gather feedback on the new BSL information provision.

Jean Pentland, Community Advocacy Officer for BDA Scotland said: "I am delighted to see British Sign Language (BSL) included on The Highland Council website.  It will mean improved access to information for Deaf people whose first language is BSL, with regards to the services which the Council provides."