Locked out: Exclusion of deaf and deafblind BSL users from health and social care in the UK
For BSL users, inequality is entrenched and normalised as part of everyday life.
This report outlines the relentless frustration, access failure and systemic exclusion of deaf and deafblind people locked out of adequate NHS and social care, despite their higher levels of healthcare and mental healthcare needs.[footnote 4]
The BSL Act 2022 requires the government to report on the promotion and facilitation of BSL by ministerial departments with the aim to improve access to public services for BSL users and promote the use of BSL across society. The health and social care findings in this report are based on an ambitious scoping review conducted by the BSL Advisory Board on the current state of deaf and deafblind people’s access to services in England, Scotland and Wales.
All members of the BSL Advisory Board are deaf or deafblind, have deaf parents or a deaf child. Each has personal experience and emotive stories of relentless difficulties accessing healthcare and social care. Our review was conducted over 12 months with presentations and submission of evidence from more than 60 relevant organisations, network groups and experts, who outline the main issues, gaps and potential solutions for improvements. A lifespan approach was taken with review of health and social care provision from birth to death. There was also consultation with minority groups, such as LGBT+ people.
BSL Foreword To The Report
Executive Summary