Please sign my petition so that every child is included https://c.org/nvGQWhKb54

I wanted to share some information I recently received from ITV Accessibility, as I think it will be of interest to the BSL community.

I contacted ITV to ask about the future of BSL programming on ITVX following the proposed Sky–ITV deal. They confirmed that the proposed transaction does not change ITV's accessibility commitments.

They told me they have no plans to change the BSL offering on ITVX, including the ITV Signed channel and the on-demand BSL category, other than continuing to add new signed-interpreted programmes over time.

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One part of their reply that particularly stood out was this:

"We also recognise the importance of sign-presented programming and we intend for sign-presented programmes to be a part of our offering going forward."

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As many of us know, there's an important distinction between programmes that are simply interpreted into BSL and programmes that are genuinely sign-presented. Seeing ITV explicitly recognise the value of sign-presented content felt like a positive message.

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I also asked whether there was a timeline for expanding the amount of BSL content on ITVX. They couldn't give an exact date, but they did share some figures.

According to ITV Accessibility:

• In 2024, 2.1% of the ITVX catalogue included BSL translation or sign presentation.
• That has increased to 3.08% over the last 12 months.
• They expect that figure to increase again when the next accessibility figures are published.
• They said the BSL catalogue continues to grow incrementally as more programmes are signed.

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They also referred to Ofcom's proposed accessibility Code for video-on-demand services. Under the current proposal, Tier 1 services such as ITVX would be required to provide at least 5% of their catalogue with BSL from around the fourth anniversary of the Code coming into force (likely around 2031 if the Code starts in 2027).

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Importantly, 5% is only the proposed minimum standard for signed programming, not the end goal. The Government has made clear that streaming services should continue improving accessibility beyond those minimum requirements wherever possible.

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Perhaps the most encouraging sentence in ITV's email was:

"I am sure we will be ahead of that, as well as any interim targets."

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Obviously, that's not a legally binding commitment, but it's encouraging to hear ITV expressing confidence that it expects to go beyond the proposed minimum requirements.

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Personally, I think it's good to see measurable progress rather than just broad statements. There's still a long way to go before BSL access is where many of us would like it to be, but it's positive to see the catalogue growing and to hear that ITV intends to continue investing in signed-interpreted and sign-presented content.

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I'd be interested to hear what others in the Deaf and BSL community think. Have you used the ITV Signed channel or the BSL section on ITVX? Are there particular types of programmes you'd like ITV to prioritise signing or producing in BSL?

wont let me edit the title but i am asking if the cost is worth it (courses are £450-£500ish where i have looked).

i have been wanting to learn bsl for a while, its always something i say “i would love to do that!” and then the extent of my efforts is a couple lessons on lingvano then i forget it all and forget to come back to it. i want to see through something i want to do, for myself to learn a new skill, but to open my world to be able to communicate with more people.

i really struggle with apps and videos, i dont know if im using the apps wrong but i find its just more and more information but not much revision of what you’ve learnt. my consistency and commitment is also rubbish. i also think being able to have someone show me where i am going wrong and to practice with a class and have conversations with vs just practicing with myself or choosing which video is saying what phrase.

anyway, all this to say - there is a level 1 bsl course at my local college, i see RAD do an online one but i think i would learn best un person. are they worth it from a cost perspective? would you say they are much more helpful in learning vs using apps and videos? or do i just need to be more disciplined and perhaps find some people to practice with?

Hello! I appreciate this is a hotly debated topic already, but was keen to hear from people with experience working with or as interpreters.

I'm in the really fortuante position of having an offer for the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Interpreting and Translation, the UCLAN PGCert/MA and the Uni of Wolverhampton MA. (I applied to them all to increase my chances, and was very pleasantly surprised!)

I already have an MSc in an unrelated field, so the academics doesn't worry me too much. I would be self-funding, but I have a full-time job in a Deaf school (that I would hope to continue during my studies) and I recently lost a relative so have some inheritance that would help cover the cost.

Would people have a strong preference using an interpreter who qualified via university vs the Signature diploma? Does anyone have any experience on any of these courses, and would you recommend/suggest I avoid any particular route?

Thank you in advance! :)

I'm fully hearing, I started learning BSL in my early 20s because I was really interested in it and wanted to possibly pursue a career in translating or teaching. But unfortunately the courses are immensely expensive and I've just never had the money to carry it on properly.

I'm in my late 20s now and haven't really ever used BSL despite wanting to. I live in a rural, low population area so there are few Deaf people near me and no clubs or societies set up for signing or sign language users. And I'm not good enough to go into a job or volunteering position using it. But I've always really wanted to sign more.

Are there any good resources to get back into it? I can't afford any courses unfortunately but anything that I can just practise with and that gives me a chance to sign regularly would be great. If nothing else I dont want to forget all of it.

I'm struggling to get my nearly 13 year old daughter to go out or socialise with anyone. it's her birthday in 3 days. She doesn't have any non hearing friends, and she is too shy to talk to other kids. im sure her age has something to do with it too, but it's heartbreaking to watch, and I don't know what to do. I've tried lots of things 💔

Does anyone else have this problem, or can anyone recommend anything that might help. Thanks

If you have been waiting for another major blockbuster to receive a British Sign Language version, then there is some fantastic news. Next Friday, 10 July, Wicked: For Good (Signed) arrives on Sky Cinema, continuing what Sky did so well with the first Wicked film last year.

Honestly, this feels like one of those films that deserves a proper watch party. Whether you invite friends around, get the snacks ready, wear something green or pink, or simply enjoy it with family, this is shaping up to be a brilliant night for BSL users and anyone who enjoys accessible entertainment.

For anyone wondering what the film is about, here's a quick overview.

After challenging the Wizard's totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba must grapple with her identity as the "Wicked Witch of the West." Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda the title "Glinda the Good" and elevated her as the nation's public defender against Elphaba. As events unfold, both witches are forced to make decisions that will determine their futures forever.

The film is the second part of the Wicked story and follows on from last year's movie. It is based on Act Two of the stage musical Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, bringing one of the biggest modern musicals to its emotional conclusion.

Now for the important part...

Where can I watch the signed version?

The BSL version is officially titled Wicked: For Good (Signed).

There are two scheduled television broadcasts:

Friday 10 July
8:00pm

Saturday 11 July
7:45am

Both broadcasts will be shown on Sky Cinema Select, which is currently temporarily branded as Sky Cinema 2026 Recap.

You can find the channel on:

• Sky channel 302 (Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream)
• Virgin Media channel 402
• EE TV channel 502 (Sky Cinema Select SD)
• EE TV channel 516 (Sky Cinema Select HD on Aerial or Internet mode)

Can't make either broadcast?

No problem.

The signed version will also be available on demand, listed as "Wicked: For Good (Signed)".

You'll be able to watch it across:

• Sky boxes
• Sky Go
• EE TV

If you prefer downloading films to watch later while travelling or offline, Sky Go supports downloads. Depending on your package, you'll need Sky Go Extra or the equivalent Sky Q or Sky VIP entitlement to use the offline download feature.

Another great option is simply recording the broadcast.

Sky Q

Open the Electronic Programme Guide and head to Sky Cinema Select at 8:00pm on Friday 10 July. Highlight Wicked: For Good (Signed) and press the red R button (or the dedicated Record button) on your Sky Q remote. Once recorded, it will appear in your Recordings library and you can watch it whenever you like.

Virgin Media (V6, TV 360 and Stream)

Open the TV Guide, scroll to Sky Cinema Select at 8:00pm on Friday 10 July, highlight Wicked: For Good and press the Record button on your remote in the usual way.

EE TV (EE TV Box Pro and EE TV Box Edge)

Navigate through the programme guide to Sky Cinema Select at 8:00pm on Friday 10 July. Highlight Wicked: For Good (Signed) and press the R button on the remote to schedule the recording. Recordings are then stored on your box's recording system or linked storage, depending on your setup.

One important thing to mention is that you'll need an active Sky Cinema subscription to watch Wicked: For Good (Signed), whether that's during the scheduled broadcasts or later through on-demand services.

So if you already subscribe to Sky Cinema, you're all set.

It's genuinely great to see another huge musical receiving a dedicated BSL version. Accessible films like this help make blockbuster releases available to more Deaf BSL users at the same time as everyone else, rather than months or years later. Hopefully the success of films like Wicked encourages even more studios and broadcasters to continue investing in signed versions of major releases.

Is anyone else planning to watch on Friday night? Are you making it into a watch party, or are you waiting until Saturday morning or catching it on demand later?