The future starts with us
BSL Conference 2025
About the Conference
The Future Starts With Us: Building Our Heritage into Tomorrow.
In 1890, the British Deaf Association was founded in Leeds. Now, as we return to the city where it all began, the BSL Conference 2025 marks a powerful moment of reflection and forward motion. Celebrating 135 years of cultural heritage, this isn’t just an anniversary—it’s an opportunity to ignite the next chapter of our shared future.
After the success of our 2023 and 2024 conferences, this year’s event promises to be our most ambitious yet. The BSL Conference 2025 will bring together BSL interpreters, audiologists, teachers of the deaf, government officials, public servants, families, Deaf leaders, exhibitors, and the wider BSL community for two inspiring days of connection, discussion, and action.
This year’s theme champions the power and responsibility of the Deaf community, and those working alongside them, in shaping a future where BSL is recognised, Deaf culture is celebrated, and inclusion is central.
Through six key focus areas – Culture, Economy, Technology, Education, Identity, and Community, the conference explores how we can collectively preserve our heritage, harness innovation, improve access and opportunity, and strengthen connections across the UK. Each session is a step toward building a future that starts with us.
Why Attend?
This is not just a conference. It’s a celebration of language and identity, a platform for professional growth, and a space for bold ideas and powerful change.
Whether you’re passionate about BSL policy, Deaf education, access to technology, or cultural pride, the BSL Conference 2025 will leave you energised and inspired.
Where
The Queens Hotel
New Station Street
City Square,
Leeds LS1 1PJ
When
Thursday 17th July – Friday 18th July
Celebrating 135 years of cultural heritage
About the British Deaf Association
Founded in 1890, the British Deaf Association (BDA), is a national membership organisation run and led by Deaf people for Deaf people, representing our language British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) which is also used in Northern Ireland.
The BDA is the UK’s Ordinary Member body of both the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) as the sole legitimate voice of the BSL/ISL community in the UK. The BDA works to achieve equal rights for Deaf people and leads advocacy and campaigning for BSL and ISL. These efforts culminated in the historic legal recognition of BSL through the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and the UK-wide BSL Act in 2022.
As the national guardians of BSL and ISL, we are responsible for protecting, preserving and promoting our sign languages for future generations. We exist to ensure that the language, culture, community and heritage of Deaf people in the UK are respected and fully protected in all their rich, vibrant diversity.
BDA Youth is a sub-committee of the BDA and an Ordinary Member of the WFD Youth Section and EUD Youth representing young Deaf people across the UK.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 4.3 states:
‘In the development and implementation of legislation and policies and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, States Parties shall closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities through their representative organisations.’
Us
Culture & Arts – What we value
Expressing our amazing signed heritage creatively and with pride.
Here
Place and Community – Where we are.
Signing confidently in our homes, schools and communities.
Now
Society and Identity – What we know.
Reviewing evidence of what works in Early Years, Schools and the Economy.
Always
Science and Power – What we hope.
Assessing benefits and risks of technology and innovation for Deaf-led futures.
BSL Conference 2025
Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets for the BSL Conference 2025 are on sale now—don’t miss out on the biggest BSL event of the year! With a packed programme of inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and special anniversary celebrations, this is your chance to be part of history. Spaces are limited, and demand is high—grab your ticket today before they sell out!