Northern Ireland Sign Language Act comes into effect in major step for Deaf community

Northern Ireland Sign Language Act: The first provisions of Northern Ireland’s landmark Sign Language Act have come into effect, in what Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has described as one of the most significant advances in equality in a generation.

The first Commencement Order for the Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2026 took effect on Wednesday, 23 September, coinciding with the International Day of Sign Languages.

Mr Lyons marked the occasion during a visit to Jordanstown School, where he signed the official Commencement Order.

The legislation, which received Royal Assent on 9 July, is intended to recognise and promote sign languages in Northern Ireland and improve accessibility for the Deaf community. 

Sign Language Act begins to take effect

Speaking at Jordanstown School, Mr Lyons said the commencement represented a major moment for Deaf people across Northern Ireland.

“This is a really special day in what has been a special year for sign languages in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“The first powers and duties of the legislation come into force today signifying one of the most significant advances in equality in a generation.”

The Minister said that, for members of the Deaf community, the legislation could represent “the most significant statement of respect and equality in their lifetime”.

He added that Northern Ireland was joining Deaf communities around the world in celebrating sign languages, Deaf culture and Deaf identity on the International Day of Sign Languages. 

Sign language classes for parents

As part of the measures being introduced, the Department for Communities is providing funding to Jordanstown School to deliver sign language classes for parents of deaf children.

The Department says the programme will allow parents to develop their ability to communicate through sign language with their children in the family home.

Mr Lyons said the funding would “empower the participating parents of deaf children to develop sign language interaction with their children”.

Dr Catherine Scully, Principal of Jordanstown School, welcomed the investment.

“For many families, learning to communicate confidently with their child through sign language can be life changing,” she said.

“These classes will help strengthen relationships, support language development and ensure that deaf children can fully participate in family life.” 

What happens next?

Wednesday’s Commencement Order represents the beginning rather than the completion of the implementation of the Sign Language Act.

Department for Communities officials have begun engaging with public bodies across Northern Ireland that will be covered by the legislation.

Their responsibilities will be formalised over the coming months, with public bodies and representatives of the Deaf community then expected to be consulted on statutory guidance.

Mr Lyons said the process would see the powers contained within the Act translated into practical action “step by step”. 

Jordanstown School provides education for deaf children and children with visual impairments, including blindness, and is owned by the Ulster Society for Promoting the Education of the Deaf and the Blind.

The International Day of Sign Languages is marked annually on 23 September and promotes sign languages and the rights of Deaf people worldwide. 

Further information about the legislation is available from the Northern Ireland Assembly Sign Language Act page.