Literature festival adds sign-language interpreters

A literature festival is providing British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at six events to promote inclusivity.

Cheltenham Festival and Gloucestershire Deaf Association worked together to make the upcoming Literature Festival accessible to as many people as possible.

It comes after a "brilliant" response to the town's Jazz Festival, which provided interpreters back in May.

Gilson, who is deaf and a user of BSL, said: "Inclusivity is a bonus for all."

He added that the opportunity for deaf people to attend events are "few and far between" because there is often a lack of adjustments made to accommodate their needs.

Cinemas may offer special screenings but only on selected films at selected times, removing the “freedom of choice” for deaf people.

Speaking about Cheltenham Festival's adjustments, Gilson said: “It’s a step in the right direction and that’s what we need to look on - but we’ve still got some way to go."

Sally Gillespie, from the Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA), said: “The deaf community trusts GDA.

"It’s going from strength to strength and we’re learning as we go, but this is kind of the pinnacle of the year having six events."

The Cheltenham Literature Festival runs 4-13 October, with appearances from Dame Judi Dench, Sir Trevor McDonald, and Richard Ayoade.

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