# The Sign Language (2026 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026, Note: Explanatory note

Extent: N.I.

(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order brings into operation on 23rd September 2026 the following provisions of the Sign Language Act (Northern Ireland) 2026—
(a) section 1 (Official recognition of sign languages);
(b) section 2 (Promotion of interests by lead department);
(c) section 4 (Organisations to be listed in regulations);
(d) section 5 (Department to issue guidance);
(e) section 6 (Best practice to be in guidance);
(f) section 7 (Department may make regulations);
(g) section 8 (Procedure for making regulations);
(h) section 9 (Department’s manner of engagement);
(i) section 10 (Department to publish 3-yearly reports);
(j) section 11 (Accreditation of teachers and interpreters);
(k) section 12 (Members of the deaf community);
(l) section 13 (Different forms of sign languages);
(m) section 14 (Everyday reliance on sign languages.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2026/162/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/sign-language-2026-act-commencement-no-1-order-northern-ireland-2026/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.