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STV News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Deaf teen who won fight for interpreter hails classroom reform for BSL users
A deaf teenager who won a legal fight for an interpreter in the classroom has welcomed the passing of a bill that will legally recognise students and teachers who use British Sign Language (BSL). Niamdh Braid, 16, has been deaf since birth and has hearing aids, but her first choice of language is BSL. Last year, Niamdh took legal action against Fife Council after being denied access to an interpreter in her classes, despite attending Auchmuty High School, which is designated as a base for deaf support services. Her dad argued the lack of support had 'denied her full access to learning for her whole school career.' The tribunal ruled in Niamdh's favour, finding she had been placed at a 'substantial disadvantage' without BSL interpretation. Reflecting on her experience, she told STV News: 'I've been so tired from having to focus on lip reading, piecing bits of sentences together that I've missed, and then having to write stuff down while trying to lip read. 'Then if I'm writing something down, I'm then missing what the teacher's saying at that point, but if I don't write it down, then I'm going to miss what they're saying because I don't have it written down, so I don't have those notes.' On Wednesday, MSPs voted to pass reforms to Scotland's Education system by 69 votes to 47. STV News Niamdh has welcomed the new Bill which will help deaf people 'navigate life in a hearing world' The Education Scotland Bill will see the creation of a new authority, Qualifications Scotland, abolishing the current SQA model and a new chief inspector of Education of Scotland. At submission, the bill only included recognition for Gaelic learners but following a year-long campaign headed by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). George McGowan from the NDCS says the new legislation is a huge milestone for BSL learners. Deaf children are nearly three times as likely to leave school without any qualifications, with the NCDS saying children and young people who use BSL are now protected for the future. George said: 'We feel this is a massive move forward for young deaf children's rights here in Scotland. 'BSL is a vibrant language which gives deaf children and young people access to a rich culture, heritage and identity. 'We're keen to see more people learn British Sign Language to remove the barriers that exist between deaf and hearing people. 'In addition, it helps us educate the hearing community about both the deaf community and deaf culture.' Despite this recognition, members of the BSL community are questioning why it has taken so long for the bill to include the language, despite the British Sign Language Scotland Bill coming into force in October 2015. Niamdh is now heading into her sixth year of high school and has an interpreter to help with her studies. STV News National Deaf Children's Society George McGowan She says she hopes this move can help remove stigma and improve support for younger deaf children. She said: 'At the end of the day, we're in a world that isn't built for us; we're in a world that was built for and by hearing people. We just need that little bit of support to be able to navigate life in a hearing world.' Education secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP said: 'I think this says very strongly to the BSL community that we value them, we want to work with them, we want to make sure that where policy does not reflect their needs, we work to get that right. 'The government did that. It's so important I know to the BSL community that we have that reflected in all that we do, particularly in an education space where we know those entitlements are absolutely fundamental to supporting our young people.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Deaf football manager shares heartfelt message to younger self
George McGowan, who is also the assistant manager of Great Britain Deaf Women and chairman of Glasgow Deaf Athletic Football Club, recorded the message as part of the National Deaf Children's Society's Deaf Awareness Week campaign. He said: "When you have dreams, please don't let other people stop you because you are deaf. "On your journey through life, there will be times where you face barriers and obstacles. "The best way to overcome these barriers is to let people know that you are deaf. "The first time you tell people you're deaf can be nerve-wracking, but you will get more confident." George, who has severe to profound hearing loss and wears hearing aids, was not diagnosed until he was four years old. The 49-year-old, who was brought up in Glasgow but now lives in Paisley, delivered advice he would like to have heard when he was younger. He said: "Always remember if you're feeling less for support. "Many people out there are not very deaf aware. "Don't let that make you feel embarrassed or let it affect your confidence. "Be confident. George has given advice to his younger self (Image: Supplied) "Sometimes being nervous isn't a bad thing. "You might be going to an interview or doing a talk at school. "If you're feeling nervous, that's normal. "That really means that you really, really want to do it.' George's message is one of a series of videos from deaf people to their younger selves, shared by the National Deaf Children's Society on social media during Deaf Awareness Week. Arran Masterman, from the National Deaf Children's Society, said: "We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories and messages of empowerment. "We're encouraging deaf children to embrace their deaf identity and see their uniqueness as a strength. "It's also about raising awareness of deaf experiences. "Whether it's overcoming barriers, finding confidence, or embracing sign language, every story is a celebration of deaf pride and resilience, for deaf children, young people and the wider deaf community. 'The National Deaf Children's Society wants deaf children and young people to keep believing in themselves, keep aiming high, and achieving whatever they want to do.' Anyone looking for advice, support, or information about deafness is invited to visit the National Deaf Children's Society's website or call the society's helpline on 0808 800 8880.
