British Deaf Association Partners with Culver Law to Launch First-Ever BSL Accessible Will Writing Service (BSL)

In celebration of Remember a Charity Week 2024, the British Deaf Association is excited to announce that Culver Law is now offering the first ever British Sign Language (BSL) accessible Will writing service to the Deaf community.

This crucial service is now available, thanks to the BDA Chief Executive Rebecca Mansell championing the need for this service through her role on Remember A Charity’s Council.

This innovative service allows Deaf individuals across the UK to discuss their Wills in BSL. Culver Law will provide expert Will writing services in BSL, ensuring that everyone in the Deaf community has access to professional support.

No charity, including the BDA, will receive commission from clients who use the free Will writing service. The subsidised Will writing scheme which covers the making of a simple Will (or a pair of simple mirror Wills) is funded by the BDA in the hope that clients will leave a gift to the BDA in their Will.

This partnership also underscores the BDA’s ongoing commitment to making essential services accessible and building a lasting legacy for the Deaf community.

Culver Law’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in their comprehensive Deaf Awareness Training, and their website and meetings are fully accessible in BSL.

Their lead solicitor Amy Wallhead, who is actively involved in the Deaf community and is currently working towards her Level 6 in BSL, exemplifies their shared dedication to meeting the needs of the Deaf community. She told us:

“When I started learning BSL in Cambridge, I had no idea about the barriers Deaf people face when attempting to access legal support. I’ve recently begun my Level 6 and as as my passion for the language has grown, I’m keener than ever to combine my appreciation of the Deaf community and years of experience as a solicitor to break down those barriers.”

This new offering not only provides equitable support for the Deaf community but also presents a meaningful opportunity for individuals to consider leaving a legacy to the BDA to support our crucial advocacy and campaign work.

Reflecting on the launch, Rebecca Mansell CEO of the BDA and Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising said,

“As a passionate fundraiser, I made it my mission to highlight the inaccessibility of Will writing for the Deaf community and to ensure that our needs are recognised.

Having Culver Law reach out to collaborate with us on this issue was a fulfilling step toward what I set out to achieve. I am thrilled to see my efforts come full circle, knowing that the Deaf community will now have access to accessible Will writing services in BSL and the opportunity to leave a gift to any charity of their choice.”

Dr. Robert Adam Chair of BDA Board of Trustees added,

“In the #TakingBSLForward strategy, the BDA envisioned a world where British Sign Language is ingrained in every stage of life, from cradle to grave. Today, our partnership with Culver Law brings us one step closer to that vision.

By offering accessible Will writing services in BSL, we are ensuring that Deaf individuals can make important life decisions in their own language. This initiative is more than just a service—it’s a crucial part of our mission to empower the UK Deaf community and embed BSL into all aspects of daily life by 2032.”

Culver Law reported of their excitement to have partnered with the BDA on this groundbreaking initiative.  It is their firm belief that law should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their communication preferences and that the Deaf community receive equal representation and understanding in the legal arena.

Remember A Charity Week is an annual celebration of charitable gifts in Wills, where charities, legal partners and others come together to build understanding and demonstrate the impact of this key income stream for charities.

This year’s Remember A Charity Week ran from 9 to 15 September 2024.

To view this information in BSL please go to: https://vimeo.com/1008045679/9a02da2334?share=copy

For more information about this service please visit https://bda.org.uk/leaving-gift-will/