Recommendation 21

We agree with organisations representing Deaf British Sign Language users that we should set a good example in the accessibility of our public oral evidence sessions. It is regrettable that we did not provide live BSL interpretation and subtitles via www.parliamentlive.tv, particularly as we were scrutinising the accessibility of the Government’s communications during the pandemic. It is reasonable and proportionate for BSL users to request that interpretation and subtitles are provided in these circumstances. There are technical difficulties, which are beyond this Committee’s control, to overcome before this can be achieved. We recommend the Liaison Committee of the House of Commons review the adequacy of funding, technical capabilities and expertise available to support live BSL interpretation and subtitles of select committee proceedings on www.parliamentlive.tv. We further recommend that the House of Commons Commission make it an objective to ensure that a greater proportion of the coverage of the House is fully accessible to Deaf people via the provision of live BSL interpretation and subtitles of debates. (Paragraph 127) A future independent inquiry