CNLSE

The Centre for the Language Normalisation of Spanish Sign Language (CNLSE) is an advisory centre of the Royal Board on Disability, a public body under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda. It was established under Article 15 of Law 27/2007 of 23 October, which recognises Spanish sign languages and regulates support measures for oral communication for deaf, hard-of-hearing and deafblind people. Its purpose is to research, promote and disseminate Spanish Sign Language (LSE), and to safeguard its proper use across public policy from a cross-cutting and intersectional perspective.

Article 15 of Law 27/2007 was amended by Law 4/2026 of 1 October. This law modifies the consolidated text of the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their Social Inclusion, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013 of 29 November, and Law 39/2006 of 14 December on the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for People in a Situation of Dependency. The amendments aim to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities to inclusion, autonomy and universal accessibility, in accordance with Article 49 of the Spanish Constitution.

The CNLSE’s nature, aims and functions are governed by Royal Decree 921/2010, as updated by Royal Decree 796/2025 of 9 September. The latter amends Royal Decree 358/1991, which reorganises the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind; Royal Decree 415/1996, which establishes the rules governing the Spanish Red Cross; Royal Decree 946/2001, which approves the Statute of the Royal Board on Disability; Royal Decree 1855/2009, which regulates the National Disability Council; and Royal Decree 1709/2011, which establishes and regulates the Inclusive Culture Forum.

The CNLSE’s work is guided by Royal Decree 674/2023 of 18 July, which approves the regulations on the conditions for using Spanish Sign Language and on support measures for oral communication for deaf, hard-of-hearing and deafblind people, as well as by the Strategic Framework for the Protection, Promotion and Revitalisation of Spanish Sign Language 2023–2030. It also takes account of Royal Decree 155/2024 of 6 February, which recognises cultural expressions associated with Deaf culture and Spanish Sign Language as a Representative Manifestation of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Under Royal Decree 674/2023, the CNLSE is recognised as Spain’s reference centre for Spanish Sign Language in the validation and monitoring of the quality of accessibility services. Under Law 13/2022 of 7 July, the General Audiovisual Communication Law, it is also recognised as the state’s technical reference centre for audiovisual accessibility. Article 108 of that law was amended by Law 4/2026 of 1 October.

The CNLSE is a member of the Council of Official Languages, established and regulated by Royal Decree 798/2025 of 9 September, which also establishes and regulates the Office for Official Languages. The CNLSE is also responsible for the academic direction of the Spanish Sign Language Diplomas (DLSE), under the terms set by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport, in accordance with Royal Decree 262/2026 of 1 April. That decree establishes the DLSE and amends various regulatory provisions.

The CNLSE aims to help safeguard the linguistic rights of deaf and deafblind signers. Its work includes study and research; generating and sharing knowledge; training and professional development; documenting and sharing good practice; raising awareness; promoting technical standards; monitoring developments and emerging trends; foresight; and monitoring and evaluation. More broadly, it promotes, protects and supports the proper use of Spanish Sign Language. It works through consultation, dialogue and partnerships with academia, civil society, businesses, social partners and the media.