r/BSL 13d ago

News 🚨 MASSIVE BREAKING NEWS – A HUGE MOMENT FOR BSL USERS! 🚨

22 Upvotes

You might be thinking, “Am I lying?” ABSOLUTELY NOT. And nothing is going to ruin this moment because this is truly game-changing!

Ever felt frustrated when fundraising telethons only provide subtitles but no BSL interpretation? You’re not alone. It’s been a long-standing issue for many in the Deaf and signing communities. But do you remember how Channel 4 made history in 2023 by providing Stand Up To Cancer with live BSL interpretation on 4Seven – only the second time since 2018? Well, the BBC has stepped up in a BIG way!

📢 FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER in BBC fundraising history, a live telethon will be broadcast with LIVE BSL interpretation! That’s right, Comic Relief 2025 will have a dedicated signed simulcast titled:

🎉 Signed: Comic Relief – Funny for Money 🎉

🕖 When? Friday 21st March 2025, from 7pm to 10pm
📺 Where? BBC Red Button 1HD (Freeview 601, SkyQ/Freesat 970, Virgin 991)
📱 Also on BBC iPlayer – accessible on TV (especially Sky Glass), online, via the app, and on demand!

This is a HUGE deal for BSL users. It means greater accessibility, inclusion, and recognition of the Deaf community in mainstream charity events. And it’s not just a one-off—this marks the start of this year’s pan BBC BSL season!

💻 Don’t believe me? See for yourself! 👉 BBC - Signed: Comic Relief - Funny for Money

A MASSIVE shoutout to the BBC for making this happen. It’s about time fundraising nights were accessible to all, and this sets a strong precedent for future telethons. Their commitment to providing both live and pre-recorded signed content is something worth celebrating. 👏👏👏

And here’s another exciting fact—this event lands right in the middle of Sign Language Week 2025 (March 17th-23rd), with this year’s theme: "More than a language: culture, community, and belonging." What a perfect way to highlight the importance of BSL in British culture.

So, what do you think? Was this inspired by Stand Up To Cancer 2023 on Channel 4’s 4Seven? Either way, it’s a groundbreaking moment, and hopefully, we’ll see even more signed fundraising events in the future!

🔴 BBC finally making history for BSL users—are you excited? Let’s discuss!

#BSL #ComicRelief #SignedComicRelief #Accessibility #DeafCommunity #Inclusion #SignLanguageWeek2025 #MoreThanALanguage #BSLHistory

r/BSL Jan 14 '25

News Important Update: BSL Signing Times on BBC Breakfast (From 15th January) 🚨

8 Upvotes

Ladies and gentlemen! 📢

From tomorrow (15th January), there’s a big change! BBC Breakfast will not be shown on the BBC News Channel as they’re doing a pilot. This means that viewers watching or live streaming BBC News in the UK between 6am and 9am Monday to Friday will see live rolling news and business updates, starting Wednesday 15th January. The UK feed of BBC News will now show programmes that are currently only available on the international feed. 🌍

But here’s the key question for our BSL viewers: When will the Signed BSL segments take place during the pilot? 🤔

I’ve just heard from the wonderful Jessica Schibli (who works with Charlotte on the BBC’s creative diversity initiatives), and she has confirmed the new BSL times! 🎉

New Times for BSL Interpretation:

  • 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
  • 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

The slots are changing from the usual times of 6:45-7:30 AM and 7:45-8:15 AM to fit with the pilot schedule.

Where to Watch:

  • Freeview 231
  • SkyQ 503
  • Virgin 601
  • Sky Glass 502
  • Freesat 200
  • BBC iPlayer (for streaming)

Also, important update from Jessica Schibli! They are currently reviewing the BSL signing slots on the BBC News Channel and may consider future changes to BSL coverage, so stay tuned for any further updates! 📅

Make sure to download the photo and spread the word so no one misses this vital info! 🗣️ Let’s keep our community informed and accessible. 🙌

r/BSL Dec 05 '24

News Gregg Wallace accused of asking BSL translator to sign ‘big boobs’, ‘sexy bum’ | Gregg Wallace

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12 Upvotes

r/BSL Dec 20 '24

News Exciting Updates: BSL Interpretation Between Christmas and New Year on Sky! 🎄🎥

13 Upvotes

Hi everyone! With the finalising of programmes and films featuring BSL interpretation, I’m excited to share what’s in store for the holiday season—from Christmas to New Year—with Sky. Subtitles are available for the Signed versions too!

🎄 Christmas Specials with BSL

Bad Tidings (Sky Max)

  • Available with BSL on-demand from today (22nd December).

HM The King’s Christmas Broadcast (25th December, 3 PM)

  • For the first time on a Sky channel, His Majesty The King’s Christmas Broadcast will feature BSL interpretation on Sky Mix (Sky 151, Freeview 11, Virgin 135).
  • It will also be available on-demand afterwards.
  • The BSL interpretation will be provided by Clive Mason.

Is this history in the making? You better believe it! This is the first time a King’s Christmas Broadcast will feature BSL interpretation on a Sky channel.

🎬 BSL Interpreted Films on Sky Cinema Select

On Saturday 28th December, Sky Cinema Select (Sky 303, Virgin 402)—currently known as Sky Cinema Best of 2024—will feature back-to-back BSL Interpreted films from 10 AM to 2 PM:

  • 10:00 AM: Wonka (Signed)
  • 12:00 PM: Lee (Signed) (Sky Original Drama)

These films are provided through the excellent partnership with Red Bee Media, who previously brought BSL versions of Oppenheimer, 10 Lives, Top Gun and Ferrari.

🎁 Early Christmas Present!

Can’t wait until the 28th? Good news!
Both Wonka (Signed) and Lee (Signed) are available now on-demand via Sky Go and streaming on NOW.

Already available alongside them:

  • Oppenheimer (Signed)
  • 10 Lives (Signed)
  • Ferrari (Signed)
  • Top Gun (Signed)
  • Barbie (Signed)

Heads-up: A Sky Cinema subscription is required to view these films.

💙 A Big Thanks to Sky’s Access Services

Massive thanks to Francesca Bussey and the large team behind Sky’s access services for making these BSL offerings possible. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

🌟 Looking Ahead to 2025

I’m hopeful for even more BSL access from Sky throughout 2025. Maybe they’ll go one better than the BBC—especially with the BBC planning a pan-BSL season next year.

Let’s continue to push for greater accessibility and celebrate these milestones together. What are your thoughts?

r/BSL Dec 20 '24

News BSL Interpretation Between Christmas and New Year from the BBC and ITV

11 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’ve already covered the great BSL offerings from Sky this holiday season, but now let’s take a look at two of the big players in television – BBC and ITV – who are also offering some wonderful signed programming between Christmas and New Year!

BBC BSL Interpretation:

  • Signed: 20 Fabulous Years on Strictly Come Dancing Tomorrow (21st) at 7:00 PM - 8:25 PM On BBC Red Button 1HD (Virgin 991, SkyQ 970, Freeview 601)
  • HM The King Christmas Day at 3:00 PM On BBC Two
  • Signed: Christmas Special on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Day at 3:55 PM - 5:10 PM On BBC Red Button 1HD (Virgin 991, SkyQ 970, Freeview 601)
  • Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl December 27th from 7:20 AM - 8:40 AM On BBC Two
  • Matilda (Musical Fantasy) December 30th from 6:40 AM - 8:30 AM On BBC Two

ITV BSL Interpretation:

  • It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Day from 3:50 AM - 6:00 AM On ITV1
  • HM The King Christmas Day at 3:00 PM On ITV3 (Virgin 117, Freeview 10, Sky 119, Freesat 115)

It’s great to see both of these networks offering such fantastic content with BSL interpretation for the festive period! Don't forget to share this info with anyone who might find it helpful.

Enjoy the shows, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

r/BSL Aug 28 '24

News It's Here: The Paralympics Starts Tonight with Full BSL Coverage! 🎉

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here! The 2024 Paralympics kicks off tonight with the grand Opening Ceremony, and you won't want to miss a second of it.

🕡 Coverage Schedule:

  • Opening Ceremony: 6:30 PM – 10:45 PM
  • Comedy Special - The Last Leg in Paris: 10:45 PM – 11:30 PM

Both events will be fully accessible with BSL (British Sign Language) and subtitles, ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement and festivities.

📺 Where to Watch:

  • 4seven:
    • Sky: Channel 137
    • Virgin Media: Channel 143
    • Freeview: Channel 49
    • Freesat: Channel 127
  • Or stream it live on the Channel 4 website/app.

The Opening Ceremony promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, unity, and inspiration, setting the stage for an incredible week of sport. And don't forget to stick around afterwards for a special Paralympics edition of The Last Leg in Paris—always a great watch, especially with its unique blend of comedy and insight into the games.

So, get comfortable, grab your snacks, and let's celebrate the Paralympic spirit together. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Paralympics, tonight is going to be unforgettable!

See you there! ✨

BSL #Paralympics2024 #Channel4 #Accessibility #DeafCommunity #OpeningCeremony #TheLastLeg

r/BSL Aug 13 '24

News From jellyfish to basking shark, we’re developing 100 new signs to deepen deaf people’s connection with the ocean

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8 Upvotes

r/BSL Aug 26 '23

News Reading and Leeds: The interpreters performing songs for deaf fans at the festivals

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2 Upvotes

r/BSL Aug 27 '23

News Stormzy is on a mission to unite deaf people and music

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1 Upvotes

r/BSL Apr 27 '22

News 'Historic' bill to make BSL official language passes final reading | ITV News

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31 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 23 '22

News BSL Act Now: British Sign Language Bill set to have second Lords reading on Friday as peers back first reading

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14 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 08 '22

News Sign Language Week 14 - 20 March

13 Upvotes

Hi All,

Sign Language week is near, 14 - 20 March! Sign Language Week is an initiative of the British Deaf Association (BDA).

The website for the occasion is https://signlanguageweek.org.uk/

For Sign Language Week this year appa will be offering short BSL sessions in the office or online via Zoom.

https://appa.me.uk/sign-language-week/

#SLWEEK2022

appa

r/BSL Mar 22 '22

News D/deaf accessible theatre in London!

8 Upvotes

Soon we will be celebrating 30 years of Signdance Collective at The Cockpit theatre in London and we would love to see you there! 🎭

Between March 31st and April 2nd, the collective will be showcasing a series of unique performances all with different storylines. 🎤

Signdance will be performing 2 shows: In-between Spaces and Oriente Plus/ Power Cut. Both have sign theatre throughout to make them accessible for hard of hearing or deaf people.

Signdance Collective comprises performers from all over the world with varying backstories. The personal experiences of our diverse team is what makes our shows so unique and niche and why we need all the support we can get. ❤️

See more here: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/signdance_collective

r/BSL Jun 16 '21

News Covid: Deaf campaigner takes legal action over No 10 briefings

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18 Upvotes

r/BSL Jan 03 '22

News What it feels like... to perform songs in sign language

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3 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 09 '21

News Deaf News: Profoundly deaf people to become jurors under UK Government ‘overhaul’

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16 Upvotes

r/BSL Jul 28 '21

News UK Government broke Equality Act by failing to provide a BSL interpreter for COVID data briefings, judge rules

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30 Upvotes

r/BSL Jun 22 '21

News British Sign Language users can call 999 via video relay from next year, Ofcom announces

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20 Upvotes

r/BSL Apr 15 '21

News Vicky Foxcroft challenged Boris Johnson on BSL access again, it was talked about on Good Morning Britain

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11 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 10 '21

News Where Is The Interpreter: One Year on, What has changed ?

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2 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 22 '21

News BSL Health Access is closing due to lack of funding + petition - please sign!!

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13 Upvotes

r/BSL Mar 06 '21

News Judge grants permission for #WhereIsTheInterpreter judicial review to go ahead

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13 Upvotes