A new glossary of British Sign Language (BSL) signs specifically for skills and jobs in digital technology has been created.

Over 500 words and terms have been invented covering computer science, cybersecurity, data science and software development to help the deaf community access qualifications and careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

The programme was created as part of a partnership between Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Data Education in Schools, the DDI Skills Gateway and the Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC).

A team of eight deaf people from across the UK, who are also tech experts, spent eight months with sign linguists developing and testing the new signs.

Ben Fletcher, Principal Engineer with the Financial Times, was one of the team member’s that was keen to create a common language for deaf people in tech.

He said: “Throughout my whole life, I have studied and worked in computing, but tech and BSL have often been a difficult combination. There’s a huge list of computing terms, very few of which have dedicated and widely recognised signs, and others I just had to make up. It was very frustrating.

“We now have a standard glossary that will really help deaf people in schools, colleges, universities and workplaces across the UK.”

Before this glossary was launched, deaf people often had to spell out each individual letter of the specialised terms used in the digital space. These new signs make it easier and more efficient to communicate about digital skills and jobs.

Popular tech words and phrases now covered include artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, ethical hacking, firewall, data breach, data science, machine learning and phishing.

Edinburgh school pupil Billy-Jack Gerrard is deaf and is wanting to pursue AI and computer science at university. He claims the new BSL signs will be life-changing for people like him.

“These signs will make a huge difference in terms of both studying for the right skills for a job in tech, and then also for actually working in the sector itself.

“Once embedded into the fabric of BSL, the consistent use of the terms will make life so much easier, and in turn far more inclusive, for deaf people like me wanting to pursue a digital career.”

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Head of Digital Technologies and Financial Service at SDS Phil Ford added: “This is a brilliant project that we supported without hesitation.

“It will help deaf people get jobs in tech while also enhancing diversity and inclusivity in the sector, all with the ultimate aim of plugging the skills gap of an industry which is vital for Scotland’s economy.”

The full list of signs can be found on the SSC website, but Kate Farrell of Data Education in Schools says she is keen to keep adding to the list.

She commented: “Like the technology itself, which is constantly changing, the accompanying language also has to be updated. So by its very nature, this BSL glossary will have to do the same.

“We therefore welcome the continued input from technologists, deaf or otherwise, to ensure that we stay up to date with the terminology around skills and jobs in tech.”

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