Moray Council launches BSL plan consultation
Moray Council has this week launched a consultation on its latest BSL plan.
The updated plan looks to improve engagement experiences within Moray for D/deaf people. Focussing on the small steps individuals, businesses and organisations in the area can take to support a dialogue with the D/deaf community.
The latest plan is being introduced in the context of there being no BSL interpreters in Moray, while latest census data shows there are around 260 BSL users living in the area. These users range in age and confidence levels with information technology, meaning the plan considers continuous engagement for a mixed group with various needs.
Chair of Moray Council’s Corporate Committee, Cllr Bridget Mustard, said of the plan: “This is a real opportunity for the council’s BSL plan to be shaped by those who will benefit most from it, our D/deaf community here in Moray.
“The covid-19 pandemic impacted our ability to progress actions from our previous plan so I’m hopeful that BSL users will engage with this chance to continue our support for the D/deaf community. There should be no barriers to support and engagement with council services or any other organisations in Moray.”
The full draft plan can be found online and consultation responses should be received no later than 15 May 2024. Send to:- Don Toonen, Equal Opportunities Officer Moray Council Council HQ High Street Elgin, IV30 1BX or email: equalopportunities@moray.gov.uk. Video clips in BSL can also be accepted.
Consultation feedback will inform amendments to the plan that will be re-submitted to Moray Council’s Corporate Committee on 11 June 2024 for final approval. The plan will be translated into BSL and published on Moray Council’s website.
A BSL video of the draft will be available soon.