History made as c21 perform at Stormont for passing of Sign Language Bill
On Tuesday 28th April 2026, history was made at Stormont with the passing of a Sign Language Bill. c21 was delighted to present an excerpt from the touring play, ‘Call to Adventure–The Life and Travels of Francis Maginn’ by Charis McRoberts and Paula Clarke at Stormont to celebrate this historic event.
The legislation recognises and promotes both British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) and places duties on public bodies to take reasonable steps to ensure that the information and services they provide are fully accessible. This will include ensuring the provision of free sign language classes to deaf children and their families.
The Bill was passed unanimously by MLAs to a packed-out gallery. The legislation marks a significant milestone and c21 were delighted to perform and celebrate the work of Francis Maginn, who fought the controversial ban on sign language decided in 1880.
