The city council announced the first ever British Sign Language (BSL) plan for the local authority at a festive event yesterday.
The get-together at the townhouse was held to announce the new scheme which aims to improve access to services for people who use sign language.
Council co- leader, Jenny Laing said: “The BSL plan we have developed with our partners at Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership recognises the contribution that sign users make to the city and its economy.
“Importantly, we have enjoyed great support throughout the process from Deaf and Deafblind (charity) community representatives and one of the cornerstones of the plan is to involve BSL users in improving services to those communities.”
Aberdeen Integration Joint Board chairman Jonathan Passmore said: “The publication of this plan shows our commitment to protecting and supporting BSL. We are making sure that the needs of Deaf and Deafblind BSL users are brought into the heart of our organisations and given every opportunity to be actively involved as citizens.”
The plan will cover the 2018-2024 period and reflects The British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015.