RAND Europe report highlights investment impact of early access to BSL
- Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
- Type: News Item
- Published: 25th November 2025
New study commissioned by the BDA assesses the socio-economic value of access to British Sign Language for Deaf children and their families
RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research organisation that helps improve policy and decision making through research and analysis.
Their recent report, “The Value of British Sign Language – An Economic Analysis“, commissioned by the British Deaf Association, highlights that teaching of British Sign Language to young deaf children and their families delivers an impressive economic return on investment.
The research modelled lifetime outcomes based on Deaf people and their families being able to learn BSL as their first language from an early age. Economically, this represents a return of up to £14 for every £1 invested.
Read RAND Europe’s full report here.
A BSL video on the report is available on the British Deaf Association’s website here.
End of page.
You may also like:
New guidance supports Audiology services to design and develop clinical peer review schemes to support quality assurance.
Continue readingRegister for this paid Advisory Panel opportunity
Continue readingTake a short survey to share your experiences
Continue readingLearn about this new way NDCS are supporting families.
Continue readingShare your experiences of accessing and using NHS Lothian services by survey or focus group.
Continue readingNew appointments for Màiri McAllan, Alison Thewliss, Maree Todd and Simita Kumar.
Continue readingSign up to participate in this co-design study
Continue readingImproved voting accessibility for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingReport calls on the UK Government to ensure Access to Work is fully accessible .
Continue readingHelp shape the new guidelines
Continue readingHelp future technology become more accessible
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a report for the Scottish Parliament's Cross-party Group on Deafness.
Continue readingTake part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, we celebrate the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do, and why it matters.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue readingOnline toolkit makes it easier for people to communicate with public services.
Continue readingThe Scottish Diabetic eye screening programme checks for diabetic retinopathy - when diabetes causes Visual Impairment
Continue readingTwo key Peppa Pig episodes to air on TV in March 2026
Continue readingLet the British Society of Audiology know about your activities for marking the largest global awareness campaign on hearing loss
Continue readingRead manifestos from organisations representing Deafness, Deafblindness and Vision Impairment in Scotland
Continue reading