Jordanstown School welcomes investment in sign language classes during visit by Communities Minister
Jordanstown School has welcomed an investment in sign language classes for parents of deaf children as “life changing” for many families.
It comes as Communities Minister Gordon Lyons marked the first Commencement Order for the Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2026 at the school.
The Commencement Order begins the enactment phase of delivery on the Sign Language Act, which came into effect from September 23 – the International Day of Sign Languages.
As part of the measures being implemented, the Department is providing funding to Jordanstown School to offer sign language classes to parents of deaf children.
Dr Catherine Scully, Principal of Jordanstown School said: “As a school community, we warmly welcome the Department's investment in sign language classes for parents of deaf children.
“For many families, learning to communicate confidently with their child through sign language can be life changing. These classes will help strengthen relationships, support language development and ensure that deaf children can fully participate in family life.”
During his visit to Jordanstown School, the Minister said: “This is a really special day in what has been a special year for sign languages in Northern Ireland.
“The first powers and duties of the legislation come into force [on September 23], signifying one of the most significant advances in equality in a generation. Indeed, to those in the Deaf community, perhaps the most significant statement of respect and equality in their lifetime.
“Across the world, people are celebrating sign languages, Deaf culture and Deaf identity, and Northern Ireland is a central part of that global celebration.”
The Minister continued: “I am pleased to be able to offer this funding to enable the school to provide these classes which will empower the participating parents of deaf children to develop sign language interaction with their children within the family home.
“What now for the Act? My officials have already started speaking to all those public bodies across Northern Ireland that will be covered by the provision of the Act and over the coming months their responsibilities will be formalised.
“We will then consult them and representatives of the Deaf community on the statutory guidance as, step by step, all the powers of the Act get translated to actions.”