By supporting BSL during Disability History Month, we can acknowledge the struggles of the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.
Past
The first recorded use of British Sign Language (BSL) dates back to a wedding in Leicester in 1576. So, why wasn’t it formally recognised as a language until 2003?
In the early 19th century, Deaf schools across the UK widely used sign language. But this changed drastically following the 1880 International Congress on Education of the Deaf in Milan, which declared sign language inferior to spoken language. This led to a ban on using sign language in many UK Deaf schools by the 1890s, fracturing Deaf communities and forcing students to use only spoken English.
This fragmentation led to the development of highly localised BSL dialects across the UK – so much so that signs used in Derby can be very different from those in neighbouring cities like Nottingham and Leicester. Despite these challenges, campaign groups like the British Deaf Association and the National Union for the Deaf worked throughout the 20th century to reintroduce sign language into public life, including introducing BSL interpreters for TV programmes.
A major moment occurred in the 1980s when the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf reconvened in Manchester. Deaf attendees walked out in protest, and held their own conference to reject the organisation that had long suppressed sign language. This was a significant milestone in the journey toward BSL acceptance.
Present
Today, Derby has the highest proportion of BSL users in the UK – around 18 per 10,000 people, according to the 2021 census. The city is home to the Royal School for the Deaf on Ashbourne Road, and institutions like the University of Derby and Derby City Council have taken steps to support accessibility for the Deaf community. For example, the university offers BSL interpretation at most events, including graduation, and local NHS Trusts have policies to ensure interpreters are available when needed.
However, even in a city with a strong Deaf community, many Deaf and Hard of Hearing people struggle to access the support they are entitled to. They often have to rely on lipreading or family members to interpret, which limits their independence and access to services.
You can help make a difference by learning basic BSL and gaining an understanding of Deaf culture. Simple skills, such as being able to give directions or have a brief conversation, can make a significant impact. If you're interested, Derby College offers a free course in basic BSL and additional Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications. There are also online courses and resources available (though be mindful of regional dialects that may be different from Derby’s signs!).
Future
The future of BSL is promising but uncertain.
A BSL GCSE was planned for introduction in schools next year, but delays have cast doubt on its rollout and adoption by schools. The National Deaf Children’s Society continues to campaign for the GCSE, advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility for Deaf students. You can find updates and ways to support this campaign through their website.
By supporting BSL during Disability History Month, we can acknowledge the struggles of the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.
Photo credit: Jeremy Segrott