Parliamentary News Release

058/2003

Thursday 2 October 2003

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE VIDEO

The Scottish Parliament has today launched a new British Sign Language (BSL) video, approved by the British Deaf Association, which explains the many ways in which people can get involved in the work of the Parliament.

Cover of the new British Sign Language video

The video can be viewed in full on our website or a free copy can be ordered from our Public Information Service.

The video, ‘Get involved in the Scottish Parliament’, aimed at BSL-users, includes information on:

• How to contact your MSPs

• How to find out what is happening in the Scottish Parliament

• How to contribute your views to Committees

• How to submit a petition to the Parliament

• How to get involved in the work of a Cross Party Group

• The difference between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive.

Launching the British Sign Language video, Presiding Officer George Reid said:

“Every person in Scotland has the fundamental right to be involved in the work of the Scottish Parliament and we are constantly striving to ensure that people do not face any kind of barrier when trying to do so.

“Our BSL-presented video takes people through democracy in action. It includes the work of the Committees, the role of MSPs and how our laws are made. This practical guide will help people all over Scotland to ensure that they know how to make their views known to the Parliament.”

Levi Pay, the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities Manager said:

“Along with openness, accountability and the sharing of power, accessibility is a founding principle of the Scottish Parliament.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the work of Parliament, the services it provides and any information that people require in order to participate in the democratic process. This BSL video is an example of the very practical steps we are taking to deliver a truly accessible Parliament.”

Background Notes

The Scottish Parliament has produced previous videos containing BSL interpreting. However, this is the first video to be presented in BSL only. This video does not contain subtitles or a voice-over in English because it is aimed solely at members of the Deaf community.

The Parliament already produces a wide range of printed publications in English. The aim of this video is to ensure that BSL-users have equal access to the Parliament and to ensure that they have the same opportunities as speakers of other languages to make their views known to MSPs.

If you or your organisation would like to request a copy of this video, please contact:

• Public Information Service,
  The Scottish Parliament,
  Edinburgh, EH99 1SP.
  
• Or by phone 0131-348 5000, (local rate) 0845 278 1999 (Calls via RNID Typetalk are welcome),
  
• by textphone 0131-348 5415,
  
• by fax 0131-348 5601,
  
• By emailing sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
  
• You can also watch the video on the Parliament’s website: via this link to the video

For further information the media contact is:

Eric MacLeod: 0131 348 5389
email: eric.macleod@scottish.parliament.uk
Typetalk calls are welcome on 018001

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 34 85000

For general enquiries, contact: 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk