7 days ago
North Wales MS Mark Isherwood introduces Sign Language Bill
As I said 'too often, Deaf people are unable to access vital public services because they cannot communicate in their first language.
This denies them their rights, and places them at a significant disadvantage - whether in healthcare, education, employment, transport, or otherwise.
The Bill aims to address this by introducing a legal requirement to promote and facilitate the use of BSL in Wales'.
If passed, this will be the most progressive BSL law in the UK.
BBC Radio Wales also interviewed me about my Bill.
Questioning the First Minister, I spoke of the substantial sum of Shared Prosperity Funding allocated to communities throughout North Wales by the previous UK Government, and said it is vital that changes to the way this funding is allocated by the current Labour UK Government do not result in North Wales losing out.
Questioning the Health Secretary about the temporary closure of St David's Hospice's in-patient beds in Holyhead, I highlighted the financial difficulties Hospices throughout Wales are facing, and their need for support to deliver more for individuals, families and the NHS.
Speaking in the Debate on 'the Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee Report' as Chair of the Senedd's Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, I said that the Committee have agreed to lead the scrutiny of gaps identified by the soon to be disbanded Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee in relation to the UK Inquiry Module 1 'to ensure that some scrutiny of these important matters is done within this Senedd, rather than none'.
Meetings included Cross-Party Group for Funerals and Bereavement, at which I was re-elected as its Chair; Cross-Party Groups on Diabetes and on Dementia; Autism support Charity 'Your Space Marches' AGM; Bipolar UK; counsellor training provider Chrysalis, to discuss how qualified counsellors can support local mental health objectives; and 'STAND North Wales' (Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities), regarding their Petition to the Welsh Parliament Petitions Committee, 'Make Blue badge Applications Lifelong for individuals who have a lifelong diagnosis'.
Engagements included UK Covid Inquiry Special Briefing by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru; Jonathan's House (a sanctuary for men after experiencing abuse); and the Senedd's Y Farchnad, where I visited Welsh NHS Confederation, Competition and Markets Authority, Two Rhythms, Royal Mail, Welsh Cross Party Group on Beer and Pubs, Wales & West Utilities, Severe ME Difrifol Cymru, and BookTrust Cymru.
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