Sign language

The linguistic rights of sign language users are safeguarded under the Constitution of Finland. Pursuant to the Constitution, language groups have the right to maintain and develop their own language and culture, and the rights of persons using sign language and of persons in need of interpretation or translation aid owing to disability must be guaranteed by an act. 
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the Sign Language Act. Under the Act, authorities must promote the opportunities of sign language users to use their own language and obtain information in their own language.  In addition to the Sign Language Act, many other acts also include provisions on linguistic rights.  

The Advisory Board on Sign Language Affairs operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice. The Government appoints the Advisory Board for four years at a time.