- There is no consensus on the total number of BSL users or deaf BSL users in the UK. There is enormous variation in the available estimates which makes it difficult to plan appropriate support and service provision.
- The 2021 Census Data for England and Wales reports 22,000 who use British Sign Language as their main language in England and Wales [1].
- It is estimated that there are 25,000 people who use sign language as their main language across the UK [2].
- The total number of people in the UK who use British Sign language (not necessarily as their main language) is estimated to be 151,000 and, of these, 87,000 are deaf [3].
- The 2022 Census Data for Scotland found that 117,300 people are able to use British Sign Language. Against UK population data, that is almost 1.5 million people who report being able to use BSL [4].
Children
- There are at least 50,000 children who are deaf in the UK [5].
Sources
[1] Based on the 2021 ONS Census Data for England and Wales. People were asked ‘What is your main language’ and could select ‘English’ or select ‘Other, including British Sign Language’ and then enter their main language. Read the 2021 ONS Census Data for England and Wales report.
[2] (1) Read the 2021 ONS Census Data for England and Wales report.
[2] (2) Read the 2021 ONS Census Data about main language and population data for Northern Ireland (2021).
[2] (3) Read the 2022 Scotland’s Census report on language (2022).
[3] Find out more from The British Deaf Association.
[4] (1) Read the 2022 Scotland’s Census report on language (2022).
[4] (2) Find out more from The British Deaf Association.