BSL interpreting and Deaf communication support
Qualified British Sign Language interpreters and other communication support professionals, so Deaf and hard-of-hearing people have full and equal access to appointments, meetings and services.
British Sign Language is a full language in its own right, with its own grammar, vocabulary and regional variation. It is not a signed version of English, and many Deaf people who use BSL as their first or preferred language find written English harder to use than signing. A qualified interpreter is the way to give them equal access to a conversation.
SILA Linguists® provides every type of Deaf communication professional: BSL/English interpreters, Deaf interpreters, lipspeakers, deafblind interpreters and speech-to-text reporters, for medical, legal, education, employment and public service settings. Interpreters can attend in person or join by video, and we will discuss with you which form of support suits the person you are communicating with.
Every country has its own sign language, and sign languages are not mutually intelligible. As well as BSL, we provide interpreters for other sign languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), French Sign Language (LSF), German Sign Language (DGS), Italian Sign Language (LIS) and Greek Sign Language. Tell us which sign language the person uses and where the assignment takes place.
Why choose SILA Linguists for bsl and deaf
Qualified BSL interpreters
Interpreters work between BSL and spoken English in both directions, so the Deaf person and the hearing participants can communicate directly.
Every communication role
Deaf interpreters work alongside hearing interpreters when a Deaf person uses a foreign or non-standard sign language or needs extra support. Lipspeakers repeat speech clearly for lipreaders, deafblind interpreters use hands-on or visual frame signing, and speech-to-text reporters provide a live written transcript.
Other sign languages
Interpreters for ASL, LSF, DGS, LIS, Greek Sign Language and other national sign languages, for visitors, residents and international events.
On site or by video
An interpreter can attend in person, or join by secure video when an on-site booking is not possible or the appointment is short.
Led by the Deaf person's needs
Communication preferences vary. We encourage you to ask the Deaf person what support they prefer and to share that with us when booking.
Settings we cover
Hospital and GP appointments, legal meetings, job interviews, workplace meetings, education and public events.
Events and longer bookings
For lengthy meetings and events, we can arrange more than one interpreter so that they can take turns and maintain quality.
Confidential
Interpreters are bound by confidentiality and personal information is handled in line with GDPR.
BSL interpreting and Deaf communication support from SILA Linguists®
SILA Linguists® books registered British Sign Language interpreters and other communication professionals so that Deaf and hard-of-hearing people take part fully in appointments, meetings and events. In healthcare that means GP consultations, hospital appointments and mental health sessions; in the legal sector, solicitor meetings, police interviews and court hearings; in education, lectures, tutorials and parents' evenings; and in the public sector and charities, social care assessments, housing meetings and community events.
For the UK we provide NRCPD-registered BSL interpreters, in person or by video remote interpreting, with Deaf interpreters or Deaf relay where a person uses a different sign language or needs additional support. Beyond British Sign Language, SILA Linguists® covers American Sign Language, Irish Sign Language and many other national sign languages for clients in the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Conferences and public events can combine sign language interpreters on stage with simultaneous interpreting for spoken languages. We ask about the Deaf person's preferences in advance, including regional signs, the pace of the session and whether a lipspeaker, notetaker or speech-to-text reporter would help, so that support is arranged around them rather than around the venue.
Access does not stop at live interpreting. Our transcription team produces captions, subtitles and written transcripts of signed or spoken recordings; written documents can be translated into recorded sign language video, and signed video into written English through our translation service, including certified translation where an official record is needed. Spoken-language interpreting for hearing family members or colleagues can be booked alongside, through community interpreting. Every assignment is confidential and handled under UK GDPR.
Step by step
Discuss requirements
Tell us the setting, date, duration, location or video link, and the Deaf person's communication preferences.
Interpreter booked
We book a qualified interpreter with experience of the setting, and more than one where the length or nature of the booking requires it.
Preparation
Share agendas, slides or background in advance so the interpreter can prepare names and terminology.
Delivery and review
The interpreter supports the session, and we arrange follow-up bookings or adjust the support if the Deaf person's feedback suggests a change.
Frequently asked questions
Is BSL the same as English on the hands?
No. BSL is a separate language with its own grammar and structure. Signed forms of English exist, but they are not the same as BSL, so it helps to ask the Deaf person which they use.
Can I just write things down instead?
Not as a substitute for an interpreter. English may be a second language for a BSL user, and written notes are slow and can lead to misunderstanding, especially in medical or legal conversations.
Is video interpreting suitable for BSL?
Video works well for many short or routine appointments, provided the connection, lighting and camera position are good. For long, complex or emotional appointments, an on-site interpreter is usually better.
Tell us the language, the format and the date
Our bookings team will confirm the details with you and arrange the right linguist. Have the language (and dialect, if you know it), the type of assignment and the date ready.