Masters Degree In Sign Language

EDM number 2549 in 2010-12, proposed by Michael Crockart on 15/12/2011.
Categorised under the topics of Disability discrimination, Higher education and Telecommunications.

That this House congratulates Heriot-Watt University on becoming the first in Scotland to offer a full-time MA in British Sign Language (BSL); notes with concern that there are only 50 official BSL interpreters in spite of the minority language being used by 6,000 individuals across Scotland; further notes that Finland, which is of a comparable size and has asimilar population to Scotland, has between 500 and 600 sign language interpreters but still considers itself to need more interpreters; recognises that the course offered by the Modern Language Department at Heriot-Watt will improve the numbers of interpreters in Scotland and services available to deaf BSL users; further recognises that the course will create opportunities for graduates in a wide variety of roles and sectors; and welcomes the work being done by the Government and commercial operators to try to secure better video relay services and interpreting for deaf BSL users.

This motion has been signed by a total of 16 MPs.