Deaf community set to benefit from £1.3million funding for sign language in NI.

After many years of campaigning by RNID and the deaf community, Sir Reg Empey MLA, Minister for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland has announced a 3 year funding package to address the shortage of sign language interpreters in Northern Ireland.

Currently, around 5000 profoundly deaf sign language users in Northern Ireland have access to only 10 fully qualified interpreters, relying on them to assist in communication in a wide range of circumstances, such as employment and education, hospital appointments and legal proceedings. The lack of qualified specialists has meant that thousands of deaf people have been excluded from everyday activities that hearing people take for granted.

Sir Reg said "the shortage of sign language tutors and interpreters in Northern Ireland has long been of concern. I was delighted that my Department was successful in securing this funding which I am sure will go a long way in addressing this issue. I have agreed that Departmental officials will liaise with RNID and other key stakeholders to further enhance the supply of fully qualified Sign Language Interpreters and Tutors in Northern Ireland.

Brian Symington, RNID Northern Ireland Director, says, "This historic announcement is wonderful news for the deaf community and for those who have campaigned for years to bring this about. I want to thank our local Assembly members and the Departments for Employment and Learning and Culture, Arts and Leisure and for their support in pursuing this issue on behalf of local deaf people."