Looking for a BSL Interpreter? Call 121 Captions

British Sign Language is the visual language for around 80,000 people across the UK, giving freedom and independence that transforms lives.

As a business, you should always try to be as inclusive as possible, and hiring a BSL Interpreter is a major step in the right direction.

Why would you need a BSL Interpreter?

Eighty thousand deaf and hard of hearing people may use BSL, but in total there are over 150,000 people who know sign language in the UK.

That’s a lot of people who would be happy to use your business if a BSL interpreter was on hand.

But that’s just for business, there are of course many situations where a BSL interpreter is especially important, if not essential.

Many deaf people need an interpreter during an emergency situation, such as A&E, issues with children, or medical problems.

Usually, people have to rely on family members during a medical consultation, but a BSL interpreter in hospitals and GP surgeries can easily overcome this obstacle, allowing a deaf person to have a confidential 1-to-1 meeting with their doctor.

These situations tend to already be highly stressful, and not being able to communicate compounds the problem.

And of course, according to the Equality Act 2010, a business must “make reasonable adjustments” to accommodate those with hearing difficulties. This doesn’t mean you require a BSL Interpreter for every situation, but it certainly helps to have one on board.

How does a business work with a BSL Interpreter?

That’s the easy part – the same way you would with anyone else.

It’s understandable why it might be anxious to work with a BSL Interpreter for the first time, but they’re not aliens. Simply treat it like any other language and you’ll be fine – and that’s because it IS just another language.

There is a common misconception that sign language is simply a word-for-word translation of English, but this is not the case. Sign Language is a language in its own right, it has its own nuances, grammar, and even accents.

Depending what industry you’re in, preparation will come in handy (pardon the pun!).

For most industries, there are unique rules, regulations, and jargon which only make sense to people working in that area.

If you’re in IT, you and the deaf person you are speaking to will know what Javascript is, but your interpreter might not. The translation might come out as simply Java, which is something different altogether.

In important meetings where everything needs to be signed, sealed and delivered, little things like this might have big consequences down the line, so it’s important to prepare any BSL interpreter beforehand with anything you might think needs clarified.

We can help find you the perfect BSL Interpreter

121 Captions is owned and run by deaf people who know first-hand the ease of access, and benefits to business, that a great BSL interpreter provides.

Founder and director, Tina Lannin discovered how hard it was to get good communication support while at university and during her career, and so founded 121 Captions with the aim of making life easier for deaf and hard of hearing people.

Our core team at 121 Captions not only includes BSL interpreters, but court reporters and captioners, professional lip readers, certified lipreading teachers, and deaf awareness trainers.

If you would like to know more about hiring a BSL interpreter or any of the other services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.