Northern Ireland has passed the Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025, making it the first part of the UK to provide free sign language classes to deaf children and their families.The legislation mandates the Department for Communities to offer free classes to deaf people under 25 and their close families, guardians, and carers.The bill also grants official and equal recognition to British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as languages of Northern Ireland.It aims to promote the use and understanding of these sign languages across the region.Anthony Sinclair, a Belfast-based sports coach who is profoundly deaf, expressed relief... [Continue Reading]