Dr James Davies MP has shown his support to the Deaf community in the Vale of Clwyd by taking part in a deaf awareness session held by charity RNID at the Palace of Westminster this week.

During the session, led by the charity’s Advocacy Officer Annie Harris, James learned how to fingerspell his name, how to sign hello and good morning, and how to sign the constituency of the Vale of Clwyd.

Following the BSL Act receiving Royal Assent in May 2022, RNID is hopeful that greater public awareness of BSL and more accountability in government will break down barriers for the Deaf community.

James said:

“I was proud to support the BSL Bill to legally recognise British Sign Language, and am excited to see the difference the Act will make to Deaf people in the Vale of Clwyd. Learning some basic signs is important so that deaf people can be included in every area of life – whether that’s in shops, hospitals or businesses. I thank RNID for providing this useful training.”

Annie Harris, Advocacy Officer at RNID said:

“This year has been huge for the Deaf community, with greater public awareness of BSL following Deaf contestants on several major TV shows, and the historic moment of BSL being legally recognised in Wales, Scotland and England. I’m thrilled that more and more people are becoming interested in learning our wonderful language, and I’m excited to envision a world where the barriers that Deaf people face are removed, and Deaf and hearing people are treated as equal.”

For more information about BSL visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/3THhC4QM7hBzo8X2COBB0Y?domain=rnid.or…