Introduction

The BBC, as the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom, has a responsibility to cater to the diverse needs of its audience. This includes the Deaf community, which has a population of around 150,000+ British Sign Language (BSL) users in the UK. Currently, the BBC offers signed programming, but accessibility remains limited. This petition calls for a change in that policy, advocating for signed programmes to be available anytime on linear TV, particularly on channels like CBBC, CBeebies, BBC One, and BBC Two.

 

The Importance of Accessibility

For Deaf individuals, BSL is not just a way to communicate; it's their primary language. Denying access to signed programmes creates a significant barrier to information, entertainment, and education. Here's how increased accessibility would benefit the Deaf community:

 

Empowerment and Inclusion: Ready availability of signed programmes fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment within the Deaf community. Deaf viewers can stay informed about current affairs, enjoy entertainment alongside their hearing peers, and access educational content without relying on subtitles or interpretations.

Improved Learning and Development: For Deaf children, signed programmes on CBBC and CBeebies are crucial for language development, early literacy skills, and overall educational attainment. Watching shows in their native language allows them to fully grasp concepts and engage with the content effectively.

Mental Wellbeing and Social Connection: Limited access to signed programmes can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. Increased availability can improve mental wellbeing by providing a sense of connection and fostering a shared cultural experience for the Deaf community.

A Personal Story 

As a hearing person, I may not experience the challenges of limited access to BSL programming firsthand. However, I believe in inclusivity and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to engage with the BBC's content. My friend is Deaf, and witnessing their struggle to find signed programmes on mainstream television has opened my eyes to this gap in accessibility.

Imagine a child who is Deaf, excited to watch their favorite show on CBBC, only to find it's not available with BSL signing. This creates a sense of frustration and disenfranchisement. The BBC has the power to change this narrative by making signed programmes a standard feature, not a rare occurrence.

 

Beyond National BSL Days

Currently, the BBC tends to concentrate signed programming around National BSL Days or Deaf Awareness Week. While these initiatives are commendable, they are not enough. Deaf viewers deserve access to information and entertainment on a daily basis, just like their hearing counterparts.

 

Our Proposal

This petition urges the BBC to implement the following changes:

Increase the Availability of Signed Programmes: A significant portion of BBC programming, particularly on channels like CBBC, CBeebies, BBC One, and BBC Two, should be made available with BSL signing. This can be achieved through a combination of pre-recorded signing and live interpretation.

Spread Signed Programmes Throughout the Day: Signed programmes should not be restricted to mornings or late nights. They should be scheduled throughout the day to cater to the diverse viewing habits of the Deaf community.

Invest in Training and Resources: The BBC should invest in training for production staff and presenters on BSL integration. Additionally, resources should be allocated to ensure high-quality signing throughout the programmes.

Conclusion: Making signed programmes readily available on BBC channels is not just about fulfilling a requirement; it's about creating a truly inclusive environment. By taking these steps, the BBC can demonstrate its commitment to serving the needs of all its viewers, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the BBC's vast content library.

 

Call to Action

We urge you to sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and social networks. Let's show the BBC that there is a strong demand for increased accessibility and that signed programmes are essential for a truly inclusive broadcasting experience.

Together, we can make a difference!