Dumfries and Galloway councillor disappointed in lack of progress on sign language plan

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A British Sign Language plan that has been adopted for the past five years in Dumfries and Galloway is set to be ripped up because it’s not good enough.And much more needs to be done to support and promote BSL in Dumfries and Galloway, according to an expert.Deaf Kirkcudbright man John Denerley, who was elected as a councillor for Dee and Glenkens at the elections last May, is “disappointed” with the lack of progress made in the region.He also complained about how an interpreter job with Dumfries and Galloway Council was not filled for a lengthy period, and suggested that the council’s 2018-2024 plan for promoting BSL was simply not up to scratch.Discussing the matter via an interpreter at the council’s communities committee on Friday, he stated: “We’ve had five years to do more.

For example, with access to interpreting services where I feel that the standard has continued to lower.“So, I want to make sure that we’re really trying to improve areas where we can, and have a plan for the next few years.“It would be lovely to have a new plan set up because I think there have already been some discussions in Dumfries and Galloway, with councils, NHS boards and with police public bodies.”Councillor Linda Dorward, chairwoman of the communities committee, said: “Thank you Councillor Denerley, it’s extremely helpful to have your perspective – and we do aspire to improve accessibility and inclusivity.”Richard Grieveson, the council’s head of community services, said: “I certainly understand, accept, and I’m supportive of Councillor Denerley’s comments.“The current position affords us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this agenda, and certainly we’ll be looking to work with partners to refresh the current and agreed