September 23rd marks the International Day of Sign Languages, a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting the rights of Deaf people worldwide. For millions of people, sign language is not just a way to communicate, it is a vital tool for equality, inclusion, and independence.

At Jackson Lees, we believe that everyone should have access to legal advice without barriers. 

That’s why we’re proud to highlight the work of Rosie Bryan, a Paralegal in our Wills, Trusts & Probate team, whose skills and personal experience make a real difference for our Deaf clients.

Why International Day of Sign Languages Matters

The United Nations established the International Day of Sign Languages to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages in achieving human rights for Deaf people.

• There are over 70 million Deaf individuals worldwide.
• More than 300 different sign languages are used globally.
• Yet, many Deaf people still face barriers when accessing essential services, including legal advice.

This year’s theme, “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” is a powerful reminder that communication is a fundamental right. Without it, people can be excluded from life-changing decisions.

Rosie’s Story: A Personal Connection to the Deaf Community

Rosie’s passion for accessibility is deeply personal. 

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she grew up in the Deaf community. Both of her parents are profoundly Deaf, and most of her mum’s family are too. From an early age, Rosie was fluent in British Sign Language (BSL) and spent her childhood attending local Deaf social clubs, surrounded by Deaf adults, Deaf children, and other CODAs.

Growing up in a time when Deaf awareness and accessibility were extremely limited, Rosie often stepped in as an interpreter for her parents, at school parents’ evenings, doctor’s appointments, restaurants, and even during emergencies.

These experiences shaped Rosie’s lifelong commitment to advocating for Deaf people, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging others to learn BSL.

Bringing That Passion to Her Legal Career

Rosie’s personal experience now informs her professional role. Fluent in BSL and currently completing her Level 6 BSL qualification, Rosie is working towards becoming a qualified BSL interpreter, combining her legal knowledge with advanced language skills to better serve Deaf clients.

Rosie Explains. 

Growing up as a child of deaf parents gave me a unique insight into the importance of clear communication.

“I often had to step outside of my comfort zone and translate during important meetings and communicate with authority figures on my parents’ behalf. This taught me to stay composed under pressure and handle unfamiliar situations confidently. 

“These early responsibilities shaped the communicator and problem-solver I am today. As I work to become a solicitor at Jackson Lees, I will use these skills to make legal concepts understandable and empower clients to actively participate in their legal matters.

“As an ambitious individual with a commitment to social impact, my goal is to qualify not only as a solicitor but also as a British Sign Language interpreter. I want to bridge the gap between legal services and the Deaf community”

Why This Matters for Our Clients

For many Deaf clients, being able to communicate in BSL is not just a convenience, it’s essential for making informed decisions about their future. 

Rosie’s skills mean that clients can discuss sensitive matters without the worry of miscommunication, giving them confidence and peace of mind. This commitment to accessibility reflects our wider mission at Jackson Lees: to provide legal services that are inclusive, supportive, and focused on the individual. 

We know that every client’s situation is unique, and we work hard to ensure that everyone feels heard and respected.

How We Can Help

If you or someone you care about, use British Sign Language and need legal advice, we’re here for you.

With Rosie’s BSL expertise and our commitment to accessibility, you can feel confident that your wishes will be understood and respected. Everyone deserves the right to plan for their future without barriers, we’re here to make that happen.

Please give us a call, request a callback or make an enquiry to find out how we can help.