The new plan will run until 2030 and builds on progress achieved over the last six years in this area. It sets out the actions the council is taking to support BSL users, including ensuring they have equal access to services.
The plan has been developed in partnership with the BSL community and aligns with long-term goals set out by the Scottish Government.
BSL users are individuals whose primary preferred language is British Sign Language, including those who receive the language in touch format due to sight loss.
In addition to raising awareness of the language, the new plan aims to provide deaf awareness and BSL training to Council staff, establish a BSL user group to engage more effectively with the local BSL community and work with Forth Valley-based organisations to share good practice.
Stirling Council introduced its first ever BSL plan in 2018 to drive the promotion of BSL across Stirling and remove barriers faced by the deaf and deafblind communities.
'Making Stirling more accommodating'
Community Wellbeing and Housing Convener, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “A lot of positive work has been completed over the last six years in helping to make Stirling more accommodating for BSL users.
“We will build on this progress by continuing to put the lived experiences of deaf and deafblind communities at to ensure they can fully participate in community life.”
Stirling Council’s BSL Plan for 2024-30 can be viewed online at: www.stirling.gov.uk/bsl