BSL in social work: ask, record, meet and review communication needs

A record that says only ‘deaf’ does not tell you how a person communicates. One person may use British Sign Language, another may lipread, use speech-to-text, prefer written information, or use several approaches in different situations. Start with the person, not the label.

Ask what works

Ask the person how they want you to contact them, communicate during visits and meetings, and provide written information. Ask what works remotely and face to face. Do not assume that written English is an adequate substitute for BSL or that one adjustment will work in every setting.

Record the need, not an assumption

• Record the person’s stated communication preference in clear, specific language.
• Record the support needed for appointments, visits, reviews and urgent contact.
• Use only the minimum necessary information and follow your organisation’s information-governance rules.
• Make the need visible to colleagues who arrange contact, where sharing is lawful and necessary.
• Review the record with the person when circumstances or preferences change.

Meet the need before the conversation

Communication support is part of planning the work, not an optional extra after a meeting has failed. Allow time to arrange an appropriate communication professional, send accessible information in advance and check the physical or online setting. Speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter.