British Sign Language

We know that getting the right level of support is important to you. 

If your language is BSL, support will be put in place to help you throughout your studies at NCL.

Our Communication Support workers will be in class with you at all times to:

  • interpret for you: hearing learners and college staff
  • interpret everything that is said or signed
  • sign handouts for you or change them into plain English
  • book camera equipment for assessments
  • explain the differences in D/deaf and hearing cultures to learners and staff as required 
SS - Young adults having a BSL conversation

Our commitment to you.

BSL is a language in its own right, with its own grammar, syntax and vocabulary. It has its own dialects and rich variation. Most importantly, it is a language which enables many of our D/deaf and Deafblind citizens to learn, work, parent, be creative, live life to the full, and to make their contribution to our communities, our culture and our economy.

 

At NCL, we are committed to protecting and supporting BSL applicants, students, staff and visitors to our college campuses.

As a BSL students at NCL, you will be supported to develop the skills you need to progress in your chosen career.

Useful links

Contact Scotland - 24 hours, 7 days a week

NHS Inform - British Sign Language

Public Health Scotland - Flu Vaccine, Breast screening, Smear Tests etc

SAAS - British Sign Language

BSL Information Hub for Students (studying in Scotland)

British Deaf Association

Our focus

Supporting your future

2018/24
BSL Action Plan
Join our community

Hands communication through British sign language

NCL Students who use British Sign Language and are preparing to finish their course can receive financial support through the UK Government’s Access to Work (AtW) scheme.

AtW support covers a wide range of interventions beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from disability. The support package is agreed based on individual need.

Examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:

  • A communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter for a job interview, if you’re D/deaf or have communication difficulties
  • A support worker, such as a reader for somebody with a visual impairment; communicator for a D/deaf person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work
  • Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular need.
  • Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work
  • Support via Access to Work’s dedicated Workplace Mental Health Support Service (see below).

There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your specific case. The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work or self-employed.

Visit gov.uk/access-to-work for more information.

Our plan and supporting documents.

This British Sign Language (BSL) Plan, sets out the actions New College Lanarkshire will undertake during the period 2018-2024 to achieve the same long-term goals as the national plan, where these are relevant to the work of the College.

NCL BSL Plan - 2018/24

Scottish Government BSL National Plan 2017/23

Get in touch with us

Direct by using contactSCOTLAND-BSL or via email.