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Interpreter Services

A User Guide on Communication Support Services is available to download as a full document. If you do not wish to download, you can read it online.

Download:

application/pdf Interpreter Services Guide.pdf (39.62 KB)

Under the Disability Discrimination Act Deaf people have the right to enjoy the same independence, access to services and opportunities that are available to hearing people. This may mean providing appropriate communication support. The aim of our Interpreting and Communication support service provided by Walsall Deaf people's Centre is to make this right a reality by removing the communication barriers between Deaf and hearing people.

Where might you need communication support?

Walsall Deaf People's Centre can provide interpreters to support Deaf people overcome communication barriers in a number of situations:-

  • Medical - Doctors, Opticians, Dental and Hospital appointments
  • Legal - Courts, Solicitors, Meetings, Police Interviews
  • Benefits - Housing & Council Tax enquiries, Welfare Rights services, Tribunals
  • Employment - Interviews, Training Courses and Meetings
  • Religious - Christenings, Weddings, Funerals
  • Meetings - Public Meetings, Forums, Committees

What type of communication support is available?

There are three types of communication support offered by Walsall Deaf People's Centre.

  • British Sign Language interpreters for
  • Deaf people
  • Deafblind interpreters
  • Notetakers

How can I book an interpreter or find out more?

If you need to book some form of communication support please contact us as soon as possible. To guarantee an interpreter, you will need to let us know at least two weeks before the support will be needed. When you contact us try to have some of the basic information ready. This will include:-

  • The type of communication support you require.
  • The date and start time of the event and the address of the event venue.
  • The clients name and address and full contact details of the person making the booking.
  • Details of the type of event (eg medical appointment)
  • How many people are going to be involved, including the number of Deaf and hearing people who will be present. This is important because one interpreter can only work for up to 2 to 3 hours therefore it could mean that more than one interpreter will be needed.
  • Any other information that will assist us or the interpreter eg. If a female interpreter is required for reasons of privacy or decency. Also a purchase order or reference number that relates to the booking.

Who will have to pay for our communication support service?

In some hospitals and surgeries across Walsall you will not have to pay for communication support services yourself because they have funding agreements with Walsall Deaf People's Centre. In other cases clients will be liable to pay costs for services as per the Disability Discrimination Act guidelines.

Considerations when using an interpreter during a communication support event.

Do

  • Ask the Deaf person and interpreter about their communication needs, for example seating and lighting.
  • Place the interpreter next to the hearing speaker.
  • Minimise background noises and visual distractions.
  • Look at the Deaf person and speak directly to them at an even pace.

Do Not

  • Allow more than one person to speak at a time.
  • Expect an interpreter to work for more than 30 minutes without a break.
  • Feel uncomfortable that the Deaf person's eye contact will be on the interpreter and not you.
  • Ask the advice or opinion of the interpreter on any matter. They are a neutral party, NOT an advocate.

Date of Production: November 2006
Leaflet written by: Gary Cooper and Lauren Buckard (Administration and Communication Officer WDPC).

If you require more information, please fill contact us or alternatively email us at office@walsalldeaf.org.uk