[Script Info]
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[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:07.69,0:00:16.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Northern Ireland Assembly is \Ndebating the Sign Language Bill.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.39,0:00:24.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,To help them do this, its Communities\NCommittee asked for feedback from any
Dialogue: 0,0:00:24.87,0:00:42.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,person or group – either via video \Non WhatsApp or in writing.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:42.100,0:00:51.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The BDA (NI) submitted a written \Nresponse and this is a summary of
Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.52,0:00:53.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what that included.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:54.63,0:01:04.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA fully agrees with the proposed new \Nlaw with one exception (more on that later).
Dialogue: 0,0:01:05.86,0:01:13.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However, we are calling for the Bill to \Ngo even further and will give more details below.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.81,0:01:32.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,1)	Do you feel Clause 1 goes far enough \Nin formally recognising BSL and ISL as
Dialogue: 0,0:01:32.44,0:01:34.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,languages of Northern Ireland?
Dialogue: 0,0:01:35.93,0:01:46.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA believes yes Clause 1 of the Bill is \Nstrong enough. The Bill will give Sign Language
Dialogue: 0,0:01:46.86,0:01:57.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the same rights as other spoken languages \Nsuch as Irish and Ulster Scots while not
Dialogue: 0,0:01:57.20,0:02:04.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,affecting or impacting other important \Nlaws that might apply to an individual -
Dialogue: 0,0:02:04.57,0:02:11.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,such as the Disability Discrimination Act \Nor Human Rights Acts.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:11.72,0:02:17.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Act will also bring NI in line with \Nother parts of the UK where Sign Language
Dialogue: 0,0:02:17.77,0:02:25.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is already given equal status.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:32.83,0:02:41.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,2)	Do you feel Clause 2 goes far enough\Nin promoting the use of BSL and ISL and
Dialogue: 0,0:02:41.56,0:02:43.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,developing deaf culture?
Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.28,0:02:50.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA welcomes the approach of viewing \Nsigning not as a disability issue but a
Dialogue: 0,0:02:50.94,0:02:55.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,linguistic minority matter. \NHowever, we notice that decisions
Dialogue: 0,0:02:55.47,0:03:02.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are often made in relation to deaf services \Nor sign language services without meaningful
Dialogue: 0,0:03:02.01,0:03:08.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,deaf input. We want to see a more \Nrobust way of including Deaf signers in
Dialogue: 0,0:03:08.87,0:03:15.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the process of planning, delivering and \Nevaluating. We want to see a commitment
Dialogue: 0,0:03:15.51,0:03:20.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to invest in developing \NDeaf leadership in these areas.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:20.98,0:03:25.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We also welcome the proposal that \Nsign language classes for families with
Dialogue: 0,0:03:25.85,0:03:31.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Deaf children will become \Na statutory provision.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:32.50,0:03:39.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA advised on the need for Deaf signers \Nto be able to use technological advances,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.61,0:03:46.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the same way VRS became crucial \Nduring the Covid pandemic and increased
Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.10,0:03:51.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,use of BSL/ISL in the media and schools. \NWe also repeated the importance of
Dialogue: 0,0:03:51.94,0:03:57.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Deaf signers being involved and leading \Nat all stages of the introduction of these
Dialogue: 0,0:03:57.72,0:03:59.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,new ways of working.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:59.81,0:04:05.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We also said the Department for \NCommunities should support members
Dialogue: 0,0:04:05.04,0:04:10.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the deaf community to develop their \Nskills and capacities towards taking
Dialogue: 0,0:04:10.38,0:04:18.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,leadership roles in designing and \Ndelivering policies to implement
Dialogue: 0,0:04:18.58,0:04:19.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,access to sign language.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:26.16,0:04:36.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,3)	Do you think the duty placed on \Nprescribed organisations to make the
Dialogue: 0,0:04:36.15,0:04:41.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,information and services accessible \Nto members of the deaf community
Dialogue: 0,0:04:41.56,0:04:42.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is sufficient?
Dialogue: 0,0:04:43.89,0:04:51.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA acknowledge the Bill will place a \Nresponsibility on “prescribed” government
Dialogue: 0,0:04:51.34,0:05:01.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,departments to draw up Action plans \Nin consultation with Deaf people on what
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.17,0:05:12.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,should be translated, and in what \Npriority order. We accept not everything
Dialogue: 0,0:05:12.57,0:05:19.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,needs to be or can be translated, \Nbut Deaf signers should lead on creating
Dialogue: 0,0:05:19.59,0:05:29.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,clear guidance on what is important. \NThis is particularly true in an emergency
Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.39,0:05:32.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,situation or crisis.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:34.67,0:05:41.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Interpreters should be provided at \Nno extra cost to the Deaf signer and
Dialogue: 0,0:05:41.44,0:05:52.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this can be a mix of face-to-face \Nand VRS/VRI.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:54.45,0:06:02.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Finally, again, BDA emphasised the \Nneed to involve Deaf people at all stages
Dialogue: 0,0:06:02.75,0:06:10.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of development and implementation, \Nand for a commitment to develop Deaf leadership.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:16.53,0:06:27.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,4)	Do you support the approach taken \Nby Clause 4 that DfC is responsible for
Dialogue: 0,0:06:27.18,0:06:33.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,creating the list of public bodies \Nwho the Act will apply to?
Dialogue: 0,0:06:34.99,0:06:43.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA NI believes that the Department for \NCommunities is best placed to do this.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:43.72,0:06:47.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They have a long history of working\Nwith the Deaf sector and will have
Dialogue: 0,0:06:47.72,0:06:51.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,responsibilities over the \Nimplementation of the Bill.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:58.47,0:07:08.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,5)	Do you support the approach to \Nconsultation required in Clause 5 that
Dialogue: 0,0:07:08.86,0:07:21.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,DfC must issue guidance on implementing \Nthe Bill through consulting with stakeholders
Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.52,0:07:29.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is very important that consultation \Ntakes place so organisations are prepared
Dialogue: 0,0:07:29.98,0:07:40.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to take on their obligations under the Act. \NAlthough DfC will have authority to issue
Dialogue: 0,0:07:40.78,0:07:49.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,guidance, and review guidance,\NBDA wants to see the Bill going further
Dialogue: 0,0:07:49.48,0:07:59.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by stating how often and when these \Nconsultations and reviews should happen.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:00.08,0:08:06.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We also ask for further clarification on \Nhow Deaf communities will be consulted -
Dialogue: 0,0:08:06.79,0:08:13.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we believe it needs both individual \Nviews and those of the
Dialogue: 0,0:08:13.75,0:08:17.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Deaf community as a whole.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:24.69,0:08:35.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,6)	Do you support the approach taken\Nin this clause where DfC should give
Dialogue: 0,0:08:35.31,0:08:39.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,best practice advised to \Nvarious organisations?
Dialogue: 0,0:08:42.16,0:08:55.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA referred to the Irish Sign Language Act 2017: \Nafter three years, 52% of Irish public bodies
Dialogue: 0,0:08:55.10,0:09:02.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,were still not aware of their responsibilities \Nunder the Act. To avoid this happening in
Dialogue: 0,0:09:02.76,0:09:10.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Northern Ireland, BDA recommends a \Nrobust programme of best practice guidance.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:10.92,0:09:18.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This way, all departments should know \Nexactly what they need to do, and their
Dialogue: 0,0:09:18.20,0:09:25.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,actions plans are produced in conjunction \Nwith Deaf input and there is availability of
Dialogue: 0,0:09:25.39,0:09:31.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both BSL and ISL interpreter \Nsupport across NI.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:37.80,0:09:47.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,7)	Do you support the provision for \Nthe Department for Communities to
Dialogue: 0,0:09:47.36,0:09:50.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,make further regulations in the future?
Dialogue: 0,0:09:51.32,0:09:57.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA agrees that a flexible approach is \Nappropriate because all organisations
Dialogue: 0,0:09:57.60,0:10:04.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,will be on a learning journey as they \Nnavigate this new legislation.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:04.33,0:10:10.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Identifying issues and putting in \Nregulations to deal with these issues
Dialogue: 0,0:10:10.90,0:10:14.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is practical and welcomed.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:21.00,0:10:34.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,8)	Do you feel the level of consultation \Nrequired to bring in regulations is sufficient?
Dialogue: 0,0:10:36.22,0:10:46.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes, BDA is clear that both individuals \Nand organisations representing the
Dialogue: 0,0:10:46.32,0:10:50.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Deaf community should be \Nincluded in this.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:57.01,0:11:06.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,9)	Do you think evaluating the impact \Nof the Bill in a report every five years is
Dialogue: 0,0:11:06.66,0:11:10.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an appropriate length of time?
Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.60,0:11:17.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA carefully considered what would \Nbe the most appropriate amount of time.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:18.91,0:11:25.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We took into account experience from \Nboth Scotland and Ireland’s implementation
Dialogue: 0,0:11:25.33,0:11:32.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of their legislation. We believe 5 years \Nis a reasonable time period, but we think
Dialogue: 0,0:11:32.83,0:11:41.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there should be annual reports \Nsubmitted to DfC during this 5 year period
Dialogue: 0,0:11:41.84,0:11:49.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to highlight any issues and \Nallow remedial action.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:55.92,0:12:06.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,10)	Do you support the creation of a \Nscheme for accrediting BSL and ISL teachers?
Dialogue: 0,0:12:10.33,0:12:16.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There is a need for a scheme for \NBSL/ISL teachers and assessors.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:17.64,0:12:26.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We recommend it is based on one \Nof two successful models already in existence:
Dialogue: 0,0:12:26.12,0:12:34.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Association of British Sign Language \NTeachers and Assessors (ABSLTA);
Dialogue: 0,0:12:34.72,0:12:42.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or the National Registers of Communication \NProfessionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind
Dialogue: 0,0:12:42.96,0:12:53.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(UK) (NRCPD). A separate scheme for \Nsupporting deaf teachers would be very
Dialogue: 0,0:12:53.76,0:13:04.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,valuable. This can offer networking, \Nsharing of ideas, support etc.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:05.56,0:13:14.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Creating a list of qualified teachers that \Ncould identify if they teach ISL or BSL,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:14.76,0:13:22.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what levels, what ages etc would be \Nvery useful for people, schools,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:22.36,0:13:24.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and families seeking this service.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.76,0:13:36.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,*Do you support the creation of a \Nscheme for accrediting BSL and ISL interpreters?
Dialogue: 0,0:13:37.18,0:13:42.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the one area mentioned in the\Nintroduction where BDA does NOT
Dialogue: 0,0:13:42.60,0:13:50.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,support the suggested wording. \NThis is because it implies creating a whole
Dialogue: 0,0:13:50.72,0:14:00.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,new scheme for accreditation. \NBDA says there is already a system that
Dialogue: 0,0:14:00.65,0:14:07.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,covers the whole of the UK and is \Nfit for purpose - the National Registers of
Dialogue: 0,0:14:07.95,0:14:15.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Communication Professionals Working \Nwith Deaf and Deafblind People (UK) (NRCPD).
Dialogue: 0,0:14:15.46,0:14:24.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Creating a second new scheme specifically \Nfor Northern Ireland is an unnecessary duplication
Dialogue: 0,0:14:24.99,0:14:27.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which could cause confusion.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:34.57,0:14:44.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,11)	Do you agree with the definition of the \Ndeaf community provided for in the Bill?
Dialogue: 0,0:14:45.17,0:14:52.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA is conscious of the sensitivity in \Nuse of language here. There is no formal
Dialogue: 0,0:14:52.82,0:15:01.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,definition of ‘deaf community’ and no \Ndeaf person has to view themselves as part of it.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:02.32,0:15:09.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For the purpose of this Bill, we believe \Nthe proposed wording is appropriate.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:16.85,0:15:28.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,12)	Do you agree with the definition \Nof BSL and ISL provided for in the Bill?
Dialogue: 0,0:15:29.95,0:15:33.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes, BDA agrees with the definitions.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:41.06,0:15:51.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,13)	Do you agree with the definition \Nof “everyday reliance” provided in the Bill?
Dialogue: 0,0:15:52.54,0:15:59.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,BDA supports the proposed definition. \NBut we want to make it clear that many
Dialogue: 0,0:15:59.30,0:16:07.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,deaf people face barriers every day \Nstemming from communication issues.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:07.91,0:16:15.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These issues exist even within families, \Nfor example where deaf children are born
Dialogue: 0,0:16:15.24,0:16:20.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to hearing families. The importance of \Nprogrammes such as Family Signing
Dialogue: 0,0:16:20.62,0:16:30.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the Home is absolutely critical for \Ngiving the best start to the next generation
Dialogue: 0,0:16:30.23,0:16:38.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of deaf children and importantly,\Nfor supporting their families too.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:39.41,0:16:45.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,NI Deaf communities have a wide and \Nrich range of variations in personal
Dialogue: 0,0:16:45.48,0:16:53.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,circumstances and in their individual \Nlanguage journeys, and BDA agrees the
Dialogue: 0,0:16:53.02,0:16:56.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,definition is inclusive for all.