Question reference: S5W-32223
- Date lodged: 1 October 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 2 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its plans are for publishing the British Sign Language Progress Report, which is due by 24 October 2020.
Answer
The COVID-19 crisis has prevented the engagement activity and evidence-gathering required to inform the BSL Progress Report. Engagement was planned with BSL users across Scotland, and through engagement by the BSL partner organisations. In addition, the Scottish Government has focused all activity on mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.
Therefore, for the reasons given, Scottish Ministers have taken the decision to postpone the publication of the Progress Report. It will be published as soon as reasonably practicable. It is anticipated that this will be by 24 October 2021 in order to allow for the necessary public engagement.
This does not mean that work around BSL is being paused – we remain fully committed to the actions set out in the BSL National Plan, and will continue work to make progress on our shared outcomes.