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BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING SERVICES
The importance of BSL interpreters
More than 150,000 people in the UK state that British Sign Language is their preferred language. BSL interpreters are able to break down communication barriers to give Deaf people equal access to services, the same information and networking opportunities as hearing people. Interpreting can convey far more information to BSL users than written words, and in a much more personable way.
The British Sign Language (BSL) Act came into force June 28th 2022, and officially recognises BSL as a language in England, Wales and Scotland. As an employer or conference organiser are you offering Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees, customers and delegates information and services in their preferred language?
Equal opportunities and inclusivity at your fingertips
Making BSL interpreting available to your staff or at a conference, company workshop or corporate video goes to show that your company is actively seeking to provide equal opportunities to all participants and employees.
Whether you need just one interpreter to speak for you, or a team alongside you as you host or present at a business event, Dialogue’s BSL linguists are happy to speak and sign whenever you need.
Stronger relationships
Having BSL interpreters at your event also means that Deaf people can easily interact with non-BSL attendees. This not only helps to build relationships between all people present, but also emphasises that BSL users are valued in your organisation.
Expert insight
Our BSL interpreters are professional linguists, approved by one of the three BSL regulatory bodies in the UK (NRCPD, ASLI or the RBSLI). With a minimum of 5 years’ interpreting experience, our interpreters prepare for the event in advance and are aware of the nuances of regional sign language.
Flexible service
Interpreting can be carried out online or in person for both meetings and larger gatherings. You can have an individual interpreter, a pair, or even a team of interpreters depending on the size of your event, able to speak and sign.
British Sign Language Interpreting Services FAQs
BSL interpreting can be simultaneous or consecutive. Most commonly, interpreters will sign in real-time to communicate someone’s spoken information to a Deaf person. Interpretation can take place online or in person.
All of our BSL interpreters have 5+ years of professional interpreting experience and are approved by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people (NRCPD), the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) or the Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators (RBSLI).
British Sign Language is very different from American Sign Language (ASL); the languages share around 30% of signs, and fingerspelling (the signing of the alphabet) only uses one hand in ASL, but two in BSL. So, make sure you are targeting the correct audience!