CNLSE

The Centre for the Language Normalisation of Spanish Sign Language (CNLSE) was established by Law 27/2007 (23 October 2007), which recognises Spanish sign languages and regulates the menas to support oral communication for deaf, hearing-impaired, and deafblind people.

The CNLSE's specific functions were redefined by Royal Decree 796/2025 (9 September 2025), which amends several royal decrees: Royal Decree 358/1991 (15 March), reorganising the National Organisation of Spanish Blind People; Royal Decree 415/1996 (1 March), establishing regulations for the Spanish Red Cross; Royal Decree 946/2001 (3 August), approving the Statute of the Royal Board on Disability; Royal Decree 1855/2009 (4 December), regulating the National Council on Disability; and Royal Decree 1709/2011 (18 November), creating and regulating the Inclusive Culture Forum.

The CNLSE is an advisory centre of the Royal Board on Disability. Its purpose is to research, promote, disseminate, and ensure the proper use of Spanish Sign Language (LSE). Our work is based on mainstreaming LSE in public policies to guarantee the linguistic rights of deaf and deafblind sign language users.

The CNLSE also serves as the national observatory of LSE. It conducts advisory activities, prepares studies and reports, performs research, transfers knowledge, and provides outreach on matters related to the language.