Linguistic Access and Deaf People
Why is linguistic access important to deaf people? It is because without full access to services and information their quality of life is greatly reduced and they are not able to be fully included in daily life alongside their fellow citizens. Without appropriate access they are prevented from making their own distinctive contribution to a modern Scotland. Deaf people have their own language, it may be English or it may be British Sign Language with which they have developed skills for everyday life, but the people they meet often do not know how to communicate effectively with them.
Deaf people are currently excluded from many aspects of everyday life in Scotland because of a lack of linguistic access*.
Services and information may need to be provided in visual English, in British Sign Language and in good acoustic conditions, with appropriate equipment, to enable deaf people to fully participate in daily life.
The major barriers to full access are the lack of people with the necessary skills and qualifications to provide communication services e.g. British Sign Language/English interpreters, lipspeakers and electronic notetakers; Lack of resources and materials in BSL or with subtitles; Lack of awareness about linguistic issues by service providers, employers and government.
The Scottish Government has established the British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group in partnership with the major deaf organisations in Scotland. Its aim is to improve access for deaf people so that they can fully contribute to a prosperous and dynamic Scotland.
* "Creating Linguistic Access for Deaf and Deafblind People," Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters 2002
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