A commencement order bringing Northern Ireland's new Sign Language Act into operation is expected to be made in September, the Department for Communities has said.
The legislation gives formal recognition to both British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language. Its central purpose is to promote their use and understanding while reducing communication barriers faced by Deaf sign-language users when dealing with public bodies.
Royal Assent was granted on July 9 after the Bill completed its Assembly stages. The department is now moving from the legislative process to implementation, with further announcements expected on promotion, learning provision and the practical steps required across services.
Northern Ireland's use of both British and Irish Sign Language reflects its distinctive linguistic setting. Recognition in law provides a framework for public authorities to consider communication access more consistently rather than treating it as an optional addition to individual services.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the department will continue working with Deaf people and advocacy organisations during implementation. That engagement will be important when translating the Act's broad duties into arrangements that work across health, education and other public-facing services.
The planned September order is the next formal stage rather than the end of the process. Detailed implementation measures, guidance and promotion will determine how the statutory recognition changes day-to-day access after the Act takes effect.