How do I book communication support?

We provide a variety of communication support services that can be used in all situations. You can book these services online by using our online booking form or by contacting your local communication services office.

We try to provide support for every request that we receive. We recommend that you give us four to six weeks notice to organise a booking. If this is not possible, please still try us as we may be able to help you with a last minute booking.

What kind of communication support do I need?

There are many types of communication support available and most can be booked through us.

Most common kinds of communication support.

View our communication factsheets.

If you still don't know which service you require, please contact your local communication services office for advice.

How many interpreters do I need to book for my event?

You normally need one interpreter for short assignments. However, if you are planning a half-day or longer meeting, you should consider booking two interpreters. Most interpreters prefer to work with another interpreter for meetings longer than two hours.

Interpreting is mentally and physically demanding. Interpreters need a break after about half an hour, although in practice they often work for up to one hour. They should not be expected to work through lunch and coffee breaks, unless this has been agreed with them.

If you only use one interpreter for a long assignment, they will need breaks throughout and the assignment will have to pause. Two interpreters working together can take turns during the assignment with fewer breaks. You can ask the interpreter or agency for advice when making your booking.

More information on our Working with a British Sign Language/English interpreter factsheet.

Why is it so important to book IRP registered interpreters?

The Independent Registration Panel (IRP) is responsible for monitoring and developing the professional standards for BSL/English interpreters. All interpreters who are registered with the IRP are bound by the IRP's Code of Ethics, which ensures that your confidentiality is respected. Interpreters are completely impartial and will not be able to give advice or views during an assignment.

More information about the different categories of BSL/English interpreters.

What are your fees and do you have a cancellation policy?

Interpreters' costs, travel expenses and minimum call-out charges apply. There are also cancellation charges if you cancel any assignments you have booked within a certain time.

Please contact your local communication services office for advice and clarification of our current fees.

Who pays for communication support?

If you are deaf or deafblind you won't usually have to pay for the communication support you need.

Access to Work (external link, opens new browser window) may help to pay for communication support you need for work or at interviews.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) may require service providers, such as hospitals and doctors, to provide communication support services.

If you are a student you may be able to get help to pay for communication support, or your education provider may have to provide it under the DDA. Read our education factsheets for more information.

You might be able to claim disability living allowance if you need help to communicate with others.

Or to find out more about help with paying for communication support contact your local communication services office for advice.

Why do you request as much notice as possible to book an interpreter?

A shortage of interpreters means they are in great demand, so you should book as soon as you know you will need one. If you need one in an emergency we will try our best to help you.

More information about BSL

What is the difference between a speech-to-text operator and an electronic notetaker?

Speech-to-text (STT) reporting is a method of machine shorthand used to provide a word for word transcript of meetings. An operator types speech on a special keyboard (Palantype or Stenograph) that then appears instantly on a laptop, a television monitor or, for large meetings or conferences, a large screen.

Words are recorded how they sound rather than how they are spelt. The computer changes these coded word sounds back into English and this is what appears on the screen for deaf people to read.

More information on STT reporting and on our how to work with a STT operator factsheet.

An electronic notetaker provides a clear account of a lecture or meeting, using laptop computers and special software. They use two laptops; one for the user and one for the operator. The operator types a summary of what is being said into the computer and the text appears on the user's screen. This is not a word for word account but can identify individual speakers, allowing the user to interact with the operator and add their own notes. The user can take away a hard copy of the notes at the end. It is up to the user, not the notetaker, to edit and decide what is and is not of value.

You shouldn't use electronic notetaking if you want a full word-for-word account of what has been said. If this is what you need then you should use our STT reporting service.

More information on electronic notetaking and on our how to work with an electronic notetaker factsheet.

How can I give you feedback about your communication support service?

Feedback questionnaire for service users (external link, opens new browser window)

Feedback questionnaire for organisations (external link, opens new browser window)

You can also contact your local communication services office.

I would like to learn BSL – where do I start?

If you would like to learn BSL, the best way to start is to take a course taught by a qualified sign language teacher.

More information on learning BSL factsheet.

Our Information Line can give you details of BSL courses in your area. We also have a guide to BSL called Start to sign! It is available as a book or CD-ROM and uses photos or videoclips to show you hundreds of signs. You will also get exclusive access to the Start to sign! website with over 1,000 clips.

We can also arrange for an experienced deaf trainer to visit your workplace. They can teach a one, two or three day introductory Start to Sign course for groups of up to 12 people.

How do I become an interpreter?

Read our factsheet on training as a BSL/English interpreter.