There’s still time to share views on Aberdeenshire Council’s first British Sign Language (BSL) local plan, which will guide the support that will provided across the are over the next few years.
The document aims to improve equality of access to services or support for BSL users in Aberdeenshire and sets out proposed actions for delivery from now until 2024.
It reflects the same long-term goals as the Scottish Government BSL National Plan 2017-2023, which include Education (early years), Training and Work, Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Culture and Arts and Justice and Democracy.
The draft document is available for public view until Monday, July 30, supported by a fully-signed video.
As well as ensuring information and services across Aberdeenshire are accessible to BSL users, the plan also has a particular focus on ensuring deaf and deafblind youngsters and their families are offered the right information and support to engage with BSL.
Other aims include promoting Aberdeenshire Council as an employer of choice and ensuring BSL users have access to information and services regarding health, social care, mental health and wellbeing.
Ensuring BSL users have full access to the cultural life of Aberdeenshire and are encouraged to share BSL and deaf culture is also highlight as an aim, as are measures to ensure BSL users are fully-involved in democratic and public life.
Views on the plan are being accepted until Monday, July 30, in a number of ways
- BSL users can share their views via contactSCOTLAND-BSL and leaving a comment on voicemail by calling 01467 536767
- Feedback can also be shared by email to equalities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or by mail to Lynne Gravener, Strategic Policy Lead (Engagement & Equalities), Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB
- An online survey can be found here
- Further information, including a fully-signed video, can be found at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/equalities/bsl-plan/
