#2026/8British Sign Language (Wales) Act 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The law requires Welsh Ministers to promote and support the use of British Sign Language in Wales, including both visual BSL and the tactile form used by some deafblind people. It creates a clear public duty to improve access to BSL in government and public services. Welsh Ministers must publish a national BSL strategy within 18 months of the Act coming into force and review it at least every six years. The strategy must set targets for BSL translators, interpreters, and trainers, involve BSL users in its development, and be made available in BSL. Listed public bodies will also receive guidance on how they can support wider BSL use.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Creates a duty for Welsh Ministers to promote and facilitate the use of British Sign Language in Wales
- Requires a national BSL strategy within 18 months and reviews at least every six years
- Requires targets for BSL translators, interpreters, trainers, and assessors, with input from BSL users
Obligations
What this law requires
Promote and facilitate the use of British Sign Language in Wales, including visual BSL and tactile BSL used by some deafblind people.
Prepare and publish a national British Sign Language strategy describing how Welsh Ministers will promote and facilitate BSL in exercising their functions and encourage listed public bodies to do the same.
Include in the national BSL strategy targets to increase or maintain the number of BSL translators and interpreters available for relevant public functions.
Include in the national BSL strategy targets to increase or maintain the number of persons available to teach and assess BSL translators and interpreters.
Set out in the national BSL strategy what information about the use of BSL in Wales was obtained and considered when preparing the strategy.