Each year, National BSL Day celebrates British Sign Language and raises awareness of its importance as a language used by Deaf people across the UK.
Established by the British Deaf Association, National BSL Day marks the anniversary of the British Sign Language Act being passed by the UK Parliament on 28 April 2022, recognising British Sign Language as an indigenous language of Great Britain. It also honours decades of campaigning by Deaf people and Deaf-led organisations whose work helped secure this recognition and strengthen the status of BSL across the UK.
National BSL Day is therefore both a celebration and a reminder. It highlights how far recognition has progressed, while encouraging organisations to consider how they provide accessible communication for Deaf people in services, workplaces and events.
Recognition matters. But recognition alone is not enough.
The Origins of National BSL Day
National BSL Day takes place on 28 April each year.
The date marks the anniversary of the British Sign Language Act being passed by the UK Parliament on 28 April 2022, recognising British Sign Language as an indigenous language of Great Britain. National BSL Day was introduced by the British Deaf Association to celebrate this milestone and to promote wider understanding of BSL across society.
It is also a day to highlight the importance of protecting and supporting BSL as a living language used by Deaf people across the UK.
The campaign reflects many years of advocacy by Deaf communities and organisations working to ensure BSL receives the recognition and respect it deserves.
The Role of the British Deaf Association
The British Deaf Association is a Deaf-led organisation that has played a central role in campaigning for the recognition and promotion of British Sign Language.
National BSL Day forms part of the organisation’s wider work to:
- Promote awareness of British Sign Language
- Celebrate Deaf culture and identity
- Support equality for Deaf people
- Encourage organisations to improve accessibility
Through National BSL Day, the British Deaf Association continues to highlight the importance of ensuring Deaf people can participate fully in everyday life using their language.
Recognition Continued with the BSL Act 2022
The Act builds on earlier recognition of British Sign Language by the UK Government in 2003 and represents an important step in strengthening its visibility and status within public life.
A significant milestone came with the passing of the British Sign Language Act 2022. The Act recognises BSL within UK law and supports its use in public-facing government communications.
Together with earlier recognition efforts, this legislation represents an important step forward in strengthening the visibility and status of British Sign Language across the UK.
However, legislation alone does not automatically create access. Real inclusion depends on how organisations respond in practice.
Recognition Is Only the First Step
British Sign Language is a rich, complete language with its own grammar, structure and cultural significance. National BSL Day highlights the importance of BSL within the Deaf community and encourages wider understanding of its role in everyday life.
For organisations, it is also a reminder that accessibility should never be treated as an afterthought. Communication access works best when it is considered from the very beginning of planning, whether that involves delivering services, running meetings or organising events.
When communication access is built in early, participation improves for everyone.
Access Means Planning Communication Support
Supporting BSL users goes beyond awareness. It involves making practical decisions that enable people to participate fully and confidently.
Depending on the situation, communication support might include:
- Qualified British Sign Language Interpreters
- Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs)
- Lipspeakers
- Deafblind Communication Support
Professional communication support helps ensure Deaf people can engage independently in workplaces, public services, education settings and community life.
Planning ahead also helps organisations deliver more inclusive meetings, training sessions and conferences.
A Message From Karen
But recognition is only the first step. Real inclusion happens when organisations think about communication access from the very beginning, whether that’s in meetings, services, events or conferences. At Interpreting Matters, we’re proud to support both Deaf individuals and organisations working towards meaningful accessibility every day of the year.
Supporting BSL Users in Practice
Organisations can take simple, practical steps to improve communication access:
- Include accessibility planning early in projects and events
- Work with qualified, registered communication professionals
- Provide clear information about available communication support
- Consider the communication preferences of Deaf participants
- Allow time for interpreters and communication professionals to prepare effectively
Inclusive communication is not only beneficial for Deaf people. It improves clarity, engagement and participation for everyone involved, and helps organisations deliver more effective services, stronger events and more inclusive workplace environments.
National BSL Day is a celebration. It is also a reminder that accessible communication should be part of everyday organisational practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About National BSL Day
Below are some common questions organisations ask about National BSL Day and supporting British Sign Language users.
What is National BSL Day?
National BSL Day celebrates British Sign Language and raises awareness of its importance as a language used by Deaf people across the UK. It recognises the role of BSL in communication, identity and inclusion.
Why is National BSL Day celebrated on 28 April
National BSL Day takes place on 28 April each year to mark the anniversary of British Sign Language being recognised by the UK Government as a language in its own right.
What is the role of the British Deaf Association?
The British Deaf Association is a Deaf-led organisation that promotes British Sign Language and Deaf culture. It introduced National BSL Day to celebrate recognition of BSL and encourage wider awareness and accessibility.
How can organisations support BSL users?
Organisations can support BSL users by planning communication access in advance. This may include booking qualified interpreters, providing Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs), arranging lipspeakers where appropriate and ensuring accessibility is considered during event planning.
When should organisations book communication support?
Communication support should be arranged as early as possible during planning. Early booking helps ensure availability and allows interpreters and communication professionals to prepare effectively for meetings, services or events.
Is communication support needed for conferences and events?
Communication support is an important part of planning inclusive conferences and events. Providing access through interpreters or other communication professionals helps ensure Deaf participants can engage fully with presentations, discussions and networking opportunities.
Planning Accessible Meetings or Events?
If you are planning a meeting, service conference or event and would like guidance on the most appropriate communication support, the Interpreting Matters team can help you choose the right solution for your audience and setting. Find out more about Conference Interpreting
Accessible communication benefits everyone.