Fife’s Commitment to Empowering BSL Users
Fife’s Commitment to Empowering BSL Users
At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. British Sign Language (BSL) is an essential form of communication for many individuals in our community, and we are committed to enhancing accessibility and support for BSL users across Fife.
In October 2017, the Scottish Government produced its first British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan. This plan sets out Scotland’s ambition to be the best place in the world for BSL users to live, work, and visit. The Act requires local authorities to produce a local BSL plan detailing the actions each authority will take to achieve the National Plan’s long-term goals. We are proud to announce that Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has been selected as a partner agency for Fife’s 2024-2030 BSL Local Plan. This plan aims to promote the use of BSL and ensure that users across Fife have equal access to support and services.
Our Role in the BSL Local Plan
We are collaborating with various stakeholders, including Fife Council Deaf Communication Service, Fife Cultural Trust, NHS Fife, Fife College, and other local organisations, to develop a unified approach to support BSL users and make a positive impact throughout Fife.
Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives
Staff Training and Awareness
We are dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and wellbeing and understand the importance of making our facilities and services accessible to everyone. To ensure our team can offer the best possible service to BSL users, we are working closely with Fife Council Deaf Communication Service to provide staff with BSL taster sessions and cultural awareness training. These sessions will be conducted by experienced trainers to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Website and Communication Updates
Our commitment to accessibility includes regularly updating our website and other communication channels to meet accessibility standards, such as WCAG compliance. These updates will make information about our services more accessible, allowing everyone to take full advantage of our facilities and programmes. Users can expect improved navigation, enhanced readability, and accessible content.
Future Commitment
The journey towards full accessibility and inclusion is ongoing. The 2024-2030 plan provides a clear roadmap, and we are committed to playing our part in achieving its goals. To ensure continuous improvement, Stakeholders Local Plan meetings will continue to progress in implementing Fife’s BSL Plan for 2024-2030. Accessible meetings will be set up twice yearly to enable BSL users to give feedback on how the plan’s implementation impacts their lives and discuss areas for further improvement in Fife. Progression reports will be produced and presented to relevant governance groups of all stakeholders, including the Health and Social Care Partnership’s Clinical and Care Governance Committee.
Stay Informed
The 2024-2030 BSL Local Plan and a BSL translation are available on Fife Council, Health and Social Care Partnership, and other stakeholders’ social media platforms and websites. Click here to find out more: www.fife.gov.uk/fifeDCS.
For more information about our initiatives, please follow our social media channels or contact us at fslt.hq@fifeleisure.org.uk.
