FAQ in BIM: How we to make our Sign Language to be recognised?
At national level, official recognition of sign language by legislation is fundamental, because it brings clear benefits in terms of improved access to information and services to deaf people who use sign language as their first language and share cultural identity and community. CRPD ensures the right to sign language recognition most importantly by article 21.
Recognition of sign language can be implemented in multiple ways (e.g. by country’s Constitution, education legislation, disability legislation, etc). Some countries not having specific legislation to protect Deaf people’s rights have most often a situation, where basic services, such as basic education for Deaf children, upper-level education, information in sign language (such as news in sign language) and sign language interpreting services are not provided at all by the public sector. Thus, it is essential to enforce public sector’s role by legislation and law implementation to ensure that services of sufficient quality and quantity are provided for Deaf people.
Without the legal recognition of sign language, our Deaf community have no easy access to communication(s).