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Azerbaijan requires television stations to translate information into sign language

25 April 2025 17:30 (UTC +04:00)

TV channels in Azerbaijan are now required to provide sign language interpretation for information programs, APA reports.

According to the report, this is reflected in the new Article 12-1 proposed to the Law "On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", which was discussed at the meeting of the Milli Majlis today.

According to the draft law, the state guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to access information. Azerbaijani Sign Language is officially recognized as a language of communication for persons with complete hearing impairments when using the state language of the Republic of Azerbaijan in its oral form. Nationwide terrestrial television broadcasters, which are financed from the state budget and also have the status of public broadcasters, ensure that their informational programs broadcast during prime time are accompanied by Azerbaijani Sign Language translation. Azerbaijani Sign Language interpretation is carried out by persons with appropriate education and qualifications. The state encourages subtitling of audiovisual works.

Azerbaijani Sign Language is a visual language expressed simultaneously through movements of arms, hands, and fingers by Azerbaijani-speaking individuals with full hearing loss.