Board of Deputies adds British Sign Language to disability consultation
Deaf and hard of hearing members of the Jewish community can now submit signed video evidence to help shape future disability inclusion recommendations
The Board of Deputies has made its Disability Inclusion Commission’s call for evidence accessible in British Sign Language (BSL), opening the process to more deaf and hard of hearing members of the Jewish community.
People taking part can now watch BSL-interpreted versions of the consultation instead of relying on written text and can respond by submitting evidence in signed video format. The Board said all BSL submissions will be translated so they can be considered alongside written responses.
The accessibility initiative was developed with a Jewish BSL interpreter to ensure the material is both accessible and culturally appropriate for the UK Jewish community.
The Disability Inclusion Commission is gathering evidence from disabled people, their families, carers, synagogues and Jewish organisations about their experiences of disability inclusion. The findings will help shape future recommendations aimed at making Jewish communal life more accessible and inclusive.
The call for evidence is open until 20 July. Individuals and organisations can submit their experiences in writing, by audio recording or through signed video.