British Sign Language provided at FMQs for first time
The Scottish Parliament has introduced sign language interpretation in its coverage of First Minister’s Questions for the first time.
An option to enable British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation was made available on Thursday to people watching the proceedings online, as well as being provided on monitors in the chamber’s public gallery.
The move forms part of proposals from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in its British Sign Language Plan, published in October, to increase accessibility at the Parliament.
The BSL interpretation during FMQs will be available for 22 weeks, until the end of June.
Join us over on Facebook at 12pm to watch First Minister, @NicolaSturgeon MSP, take questions from party leaders and other MSPs during FMQs. For the first time, British Sign Language interpreting will be available online! https://t.co/2ntAamWaRSpic.twitter.com/xMKbCsqQs6
— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) January 10, 2019
A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said: “Introducing BSL interpreting at FMQs is one of our commitments under our six-year plan to integrate BSL into the Parliament’s work.”
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said: “I well remember the rapturous reception in the public galleries in September 2015 when the Parliament passed the British Sign Language (Scotland) Bill.
“It was a great moment in the history of the Parliament. Through this six-year plan, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body demonstrates its commitment to making the practical improvements in parliamentary services as to how we will support BSL.
“Through a range of actions, we will seek to integrate BSL into the fabric of the Parliament’s work: by involving the BSL community in our planning and interpreting of business, as well as in engagement and outreach events.”
