The provision of British Sign Language communication support is necessary where someone does not have a significant ability to communicate effectively as a direct result of their deafness or hearing loss. Individuals who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their method of communication require a British Sign Language Interpreter to facilitate their interactions with hearing people who speak English.

We firmly believe that individuals with this need should be able to access their academic studies and medical advice, understand their legal rights and be made aware of their own financial and other responsibilities. It is particularly important for vulnerable adults and children for who the provision of accurate and confidential information is embedded as a legal right due to UK legislation.

We are able to meet your requirements by maintaining a national network of professional interpreters who are neutral, independent, professionally trained and accept the responsibility of keeping all information confidential. Our services are delivered within diverse settings and by using our expertise we are able to provide language professionals who not only meet the individual’s needs but also meet the financial constraints of your organisation.

The work of Support Services Team within the educational sector can be fulfilled on a semester by semester basis with additional requests taken for one off sessions. Other service request are fulfilled on an “Ad-Hoc” basis, which usually require notice to make an interpreting arrangement, however we are able to respond to emergencies where possible. Our normal terms of business are available upon request and we also have tailored terms of service for various statutory and public sectors such as HEIs/FE, DWP as well as corporate.

 

HOW TO WORK WITH A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER

As well as ensuring good communication, sign language interpreters have to manage a physical element to their job. The risk of Sign Language Interpreters developing RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) are now well known.

To prevent such injuries, Sign Language Interpreters need regular breaks during their working time. The physical location of the meeting or event should be set up so the Interpreter can sit or stand comfortably, and there is not undue stress placed on their body whilst interpreting. This approach follows the NRCPD guidelines.

Interpreting between different languages is a complex and mentally demanding task. All interpreters require regular breaks so they retain optimum levels of concentration and accuracy in their interpreting.

The key points for best practice are:

• Any assignment exceeding 2 hours of continuous interpreting will require a second interpreter; this is due to the complexity of the interpreting process and negative effect on the interpretation; this is in accordance with guidelines produced by ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters) and NRCDP (National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people)
• For British Sign Language to English interpretation, Clients are to ensure that speakers in an area which is well lit and in clear sight of the British Sign Language Interpreter or made visible by means of an image providing a clear and detailed view of the speaker’s face and body movements sufficient for the British Sign Language Interpreter’s requirements
• For English to British Sign Language interpretation the client is to ensure that the British Sign Language Interpreter is positioned so that they are sufficiently near to the speaker to be able to hear and can be clearly seen by the service users
• Provide information / materials on what is being discussed to Interpreting Solutions at least 24hrs in advance, this will lessen the stress of having to interpret new concepts or terms into Sign Language

 

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