Over 4000 people in Wales use British Sign language (BSL) as their first or preferred language, but they face numerous problems concerning health inequities and inequalities compared with English and Welsh speakers.
- Inconsistent interpretation services.
- Poor communications which can and often lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis and treatment.
- Being at greater risk of underdiagnoses and under-treatment of chronic diseases and thus tending to have poorer health and health outcomes than the general population.
- Being twice as likely to experience mental health problems as the general population.
- And being unable to fully access and utilize National Parks and coastal paths, to improve health and wellbeing, due to materials not being available in BSL.
Introduction to Deaf Health Wales Project in BSL
Project Background
This 3-year, £1.04 million pound project brings together an interdisciplinary team consisting of hearing and BSL using colleagues from Bangor, Swansea, the University of the West of England, the University of Graz in Austria, the British Deaf Association, Public Health Wales Cardiff, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Centre of Sign Sight Sound in Colwyn Bay and the Wales Council for Deaf People.
The team is comprised of experts and specialists in language and communication, Deaf mental health, Deaf health and well-being, interpreting services, the law, and environmental access and well-being. Working together with members of the Deaf community, they will co-design, co-construct, implement, and evaluate community-led solutions for their communities in Wales.
This project aims to improve health and healthcare services at every stage through work with Deaf people, the NHS, health boards and other service providers. In addition, we will also be developing an online dictionary and resources to help interpreters, service providers and those interested in signed languages and signed language research. We are also developing video guide apps to improve access to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons)
Further project information and press inquiries:
Please note that this page is under development. More information about the project, the team, and its outreach and community engagement plans will be posted soon.
