The first set of powers from the Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2026 went into effect on 23 September 2026, a date known internationally as the International Day of Sign Languages.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Jordanstown School to mark the occasion, describing it as a special day in a special year for sign languages in Northern Ireland.

The minister said the commencement of the act represents one of the most significant advances in equality in a generation, and possibly the most significant statement of respect and equality in the lifetime of many in the deaf community.

As part of the implementation, the Department for Communities is providing funding to Jordanstown School to offer sign language classes to parents of deaf children.

Dr Catherine Scully, principal of Jordanstown School, said the school community welcomes the department’s investment in these classes.

Scully said that for many families, learning to communicate confidently with their child through sign language can be life changing.

The classes are intended to help strengthen relationships, support language development, and ensure deaf children can fully participate in family life.

The minister also outlined next steps for the act. Officials have begun discussions with public bodies across Northern Ireland that will be covered by the act’s provisions.

Their responsibilities will be formalised over the coming months, followed by consultation with public bodies and representatives of the deaf community on statutory guidance.

The act’s powers will be brought into effect gradually, with the department working to translate them into actions step by step.