BSL (Wales) Bill Passed – What It Means for Local Businesses
There’s been a big step forward for accessibility in Wales, as the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill has officially been passed by the Senedd.
The new law sets out a framework to promote and support the use of BSL across the country. It will see Welsh Ministers develop a National BSL Strategy, supported by expert advice and guidance, which will help shape how public bodies, and wider organisations, make their services more accessible.
For local businesses, it’s a good time to start thinking: are you ready to adapt?
Bethan Ronan, a Deaf Tutor at Coleg Llandrillo, says the moment is both exciting and important:
“The passing of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill in the Senedd is a moment of immense pride for our community. This is a monumental step toward the equity we have long campaigned for, and I am hopeful that it will fundamentally transform the lives of Deaf people across Wales.
However, the hard work begins now. We must move from recognition to action by providing robust training and education to help organisations truly understand the lived experiences and communication needs of the Deaf community.”
Why It matters for your business
Making small changes, such as learning basic BSL, can make a huge difference to Deaf customers and colleagues. It’s not just about being compliant and meeting future expectations; it’s about creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who walks through your door.
Get started with BSL training
To help local businesses and the community take that next step, the college offers a three-hour BSL Awareness session designed to give you practical, usable skills.
In the session, you’ll cover:
An introduction to BSL and the Deaf community
Key signs to support customer interactions and teamwork
Understanding Deaf culture and how to communicate respectfully
Practical, hands-on activities to build confidence
The benefits
Taking part can help you:
Communicate more effectively with Deaf customers and colleagues
Make your organisation more accessible and inclusive
Build a more understanding and respectful workplace culture
Sessions cost £75, and there’s also the option to create bespoke training tailored to your organisation’s needs.
To find out more or book a place, contact Abi Woodyear at a.woodyear@gllm.ac.uk or call 01492 546666 ext. 1726
As the new legislation comes into place, now’s the perfect time to get ahead. Sign up to learn something new, support your community, and make your business more inclusive for everyone.