Scotland’s BSL Act: Where are we now?

About RSE Investigates

This event is part of RSE Investigates - a yearly programme of free public events that look closely at a new topic each year. Through research-led insights and personal perspectives, the series explores the nuances and real-world implications of issues that shape our understanding of society.

This year, the focus is on language – how it connects us, how it shapes our identities and the environments, and how language can be a vital lens for examining some of today’s most pressing issues.

British sign language is the language of over 115,000 people across Scotland*, and for many, is their first language.

In 2015, the Scottish Government introduced the BSL (Scotland) Act, – a law recognising BSL as one of Scotland’s official languages. It also resulted in the development of a national plan on what authorities would do to improve access to information, services and opportunities for BSL users.

The Act has since increased the visibility and recognition of BSL in public spaces. However, ten years on, many of its benefits are yet to materialise. Deaf children and their families still encounter barriers to early BSL access and education. There has been little progress in employment opportunities and capacity building for deaf professionals. Without enforceable plans and dedicated funding, the Act risks remaining more symbolic than transformative.

At the same time, Scotland has a growing body of research on deaf people’s experiences in areas such as media, health, justice and domestic violence. Greater engagement with this research could help address gaps in access and opportunity.

We’ll be joined by experts Jemina Napier and Robert Adam from Heriot-Watt University, who bring research insights and lived experience to the discussion. Together, they will look at the existing studies and the implications for creating genuine opportunities for deaf people to participate in, access, and contribute to society.

* https://bda.org.uk/scotland-census/

Please note: This event will have BSL interpretation and will be accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences.

Speakers:

Professor Jemina Napier

Chair of Intercultural Communication, Heriot-Watt University

Jemina Napier is Professor of Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. She has served in various roles since joining the university in 2013, including Associate Principal for Research Culture & People (2022-2025), Director of Research for the School of Social Sciences (2019-2022), Director of the Centre for Translation & Interpreting Studies in Scotland (2018-2021) and Head of Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies (2014-2018). She is now seconded part-time to the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science as Associate Director for Supervisor Engagement. Her research primarily focuses on deaf BSL users’ access to public services through sign language interpreting.

Dr. Robert Adam

Associate Professor, Heriot Watt University

Robert Adam is Associate Professor of Languages and Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University, and Programme Director for British Sign Language. His research interests are in both sign language contact (deaf people who know more than one sign language) and in deaf people working as interpreters and translators. He is from a deaf family in Melbourne, Australia and has worked in universities in the UK over the past 20 years. He is currently Chair of the British Deaf Association and Vice Chair of Frank Barnes School in London.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+
• Accessibility Statement: We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or any questions about how we can support this event, please contact the RSE Public Engagement team on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

• COVID-19: In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 we kindly encourage participants to continue to wear face masks if they feel comfortable to do so; use the hand sanitisers provided at the venue; and to stay at home if they have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19