Introduction

This webpage is an introduction to how to make your digital video content more BSL inclusive.

At the most basic level you have 2 options:

• Make your English language work more accessible though BSL interpretation
• Create original BSL content

It is important before developing any project to understand what British Sign Language (BSL) is. BSL is a unique language that is distinct from spoken English and is different from either Makaton or SSE (Sign Supported English). Therefore, when approaching working with BSL, treat it like any UNIQUE language, with its own history, culture and grammar. See HERE for more definitions.

What are my options?

IMPORTANT TIPS

• Bring in a BSL consultant early. This might be the person you intend to use in the video. See here for more details (this will explain more about the role).
• Understand any communication support needs from start to end. If you are working with a deaf person, ask that person what support they might need. If a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) is required, ask if they have a preference.
• Understand the translation process. You are working between 2 languages, this is a creative process that needs communication and time. Plan for this process.
• Budget properly and build your BSL project into your planning from the start.
• You can use a deaf person or a sign language interpreter to interpret your English language work.
• Use a deaf person for any performative BSL work.
• Get excited about working with BSL, it is a rich visual language, that opens up new ways of storytelling.

How do I contact someone from the deaf community? – see HERE

How do I contact a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI)? – see HERE

Ideas for making your English language work more accessible to BSL users

Note: if you are using a deaf person to interpret English language work, what support might they might need during the filming process – cards, teleprompter, power point slides, communication support (ask that person what is their preference/process)?

Working with original BSL content

Things to think about:

• Creatively collaborate early, this might include rehearsals – etc.
• Bring in a BSL Dramaturg. To learn more press HERE.
• Use a deaf consultant/script editor during the shoot. To learn more press HERE.

General rules for filming

General rules for filming

• Have you thought about working with a deaf filmmaker and/or editor?
• Does your editor have BSL skills? If not, what support might be needed?
• It is a good idea to take notes of best takes during filming.
• Always add captions.
• Do you want to add a voice-over?
• Creating digital BSL content is only worthwhile if you can reach a deaf audience! Are you going to create a BSL info video? Are you going to create clear visual posters and BSL focused marketing information? See HERE for some suggestions.

Why is this important?

Increasingly we are creating digital art work but the vast majority of it is not accessible to deaf people who are users of British Sign Language (BSL).

Why is this important?

• Rights – fair access for deaf people whose first language is BSL.
• BSL (Scotland) Act – BSL is a nationally recognised language in Scotland. Duty to promote and raise awareness of BSL. A language with its own history, culture, grammar.
• Creative reasons – makes you work in new ways; inspires you to think differently.

Terminology

What is BSL?

What is SSE?

What is Mackaton?

What is a BSL Dramaturg?

What is a BSL consultant?

What is visual vernacular?

What is an SLI?

How do I contact people in the deaf community?

How do I contact an SLI?

How do I contact deaf filmmakers/editors?