British Sign Language 'should be first language of deaf children in Wales'

British Sign Language (BSL) should be recognised as the first language of many deaf children in Wales, a committee has recommended.

The National Assembly's Petitions Committee examined a petition by Deffo! Cymru, a forum for young deaf people in the country.

BSL is currently recognised as a minority language by the Welsh Government but it will now examine the report which calls on it to be recognised as the first language of many deaf children and young people.

The committee has also asked the Welsh Government to further consider creating a GCSE in first-language sign language with Qualifications Wales.Children at all levels of education should be given the opportunity to learn the language, the committee has recommended.

It has also called for a national charter on delivering services and resources, including education, to deaf children and their families.

David Rowlands AM, chair of the Petitions Committee said the changes are vital for deaf people and their parents.

The Welsh Government told the committee that decisions around support and resources made available to deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales were the responsibility of local authorities.