AQW 51458/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) when sign language classes for people under the age of 25, and their family and carers, will begin; and (ii) where these classes are to be held.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 9 September 2026
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 9 September 2026
- Answer due by
- 24 September 2026
- Answered
- 25 September 202616 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The sign language classes for people under the age of 25, and their family and carers will commence on various dates in September 2026.The table below details where the classes are to be held, including when online where the participating families are from.
| Organisation | Title of Course | Start Date | Location |
| National Deaf Children’s Society | Family Signing Home | September 2026 | Online courses- with referrals currently from Dromore, Enniskillen and Downpatrick |
| British Deaf Association | Family Sign at Home | September 2026 | Lurgan; Newtownabbey; Comber; Lisburn; Newtownabbey; Belfast; Crumlin; Derry; Newry |
| Action Deaf Youth | BSL for Deaf Children, Young People, Parents and Peers programme | September 2026 | Ballyclare; Bangor; Belfast; Cookstown; Randalstown – other locations to be confirmed |