Ayrshire College has made great strides in supporting the deaf community in Ayrshire by commissioning Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) and BSL Level 1 classes on their campuses in recent years. Sadly, this is where the journey ends for those that want to learn this wonderful language. By the time the current BSL Level 1 course ends in March 2025, there will be an estimated 70 people in Ayrshire waiting to progress to BSL Level 2.

It is important that people who want to learn BSL in Ayrshire are able to progress through the BSL levels so that we continue to produce a stream of competent BSL signers that will enter our communities and workforces armed with the knowledge of how to communicate with those who are deaf and/or have a hearing loss. The deaf and hearing loss communities in Ayrshire, and Scotland, disproportionately suffer from social isolation and loneliness because they live in a society that doesn't know how to communicate with them. It is important that our local Ayrshire College becomes the epicentre in the production of competent BSL signers that are then able to build bridges between our society and our isolated friends in the aforementioned communities. This is essential if the Scottish Government is to achieve its pIan to make Scotland a more equitable place for everyone, as set out in the BSL National Plan 2023-2029.

There are at least 70 people waiting to progress to BSL Level 2 in Ayrshire. With a recommended class size for this course being a maximum of 20, this equates to a potential 3-4 year waiting list. It is important that we are able to progress at our local educational establishments. The alternative routes to progress through the BSL levels would require zig-zagging across Scotland, to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Most people that learn BSL do so in the evenings, often going to class straight from work , or taking annual leave and swapping shifts. The prospect of travelling across the country in the evenings is a hurdle that many are unable to overcome. The geographical challenge to progression is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the continued marginalisation of the deaf and hearing loss communities within our society.

The arguments against commissioning college courses are often economic and/or a lack of skills. However, with at least 70 people waiting to commence BSL Level 2, it is clear it makes economic sense. We also have competent BSL educators in Ayrshire ready and willing to aid our progression.

The Scottish Government BSL National Plan 2023-2029 aims to "make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL signers to live, work, visit and learn". We challenge Ayrshire College to make Ayrshire the best place in Scotland for BSL signers to live, work, visit and learn by commissioning BSL Level 2 for the 2025/26 academic year.

The Scottish Government cannot achieve its aims and objectives set out in the BSL National Plan 2023-2029 if our educational establishments - which are pivotal to advance BSL education - aren't committed to producing more advanced BSL signers. 

The Ayrshire College Strategic Ambition aims to ensure the College plays a leading role in realising the potential of Ayrshire, but the full potential of Ayrshire cannot be realised if we fail to acknowledge our collective and social responsibility by ensuring everyone - especially the most marginalised in our communities - benefit from it.

This is an opportunity for Ayrshire College to be a sector-leading institution in Scotland for BSL education and set the example that will inspire others to follow.