Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
Types of communication support
There is a range of communication support available to help communication between a deaf or hard of hearing person and a hearing person. You can choose a language service provider (LSP) that suits you and your needs. If you're not sure, ask for advice when making a booking, or contact your local Communication Services office.
Using language service professionals
Tips for working with language service professionals (LSPs)
British Sign Language / English interpreters
Sign language interpreters translate between British or Irish Sign Language and English. Here you can read more about what they do and how they can help you.
Speech-to-text reporters
Speech-to-text reporters work with deaf people to help them access audio information via a laptop or large screen. The reporter types a verbatim (word for word) account of what is being said and the information appears on screen for users to read. You can read more about their services here.
Deafblind interpreters
Deafblind interpreters use a variety of methods to help communication between hearing and deafblind people. Find out more about the methods they use, including the Deafblind Manual Alphabet, the Block Alphabet, hands-on signing and visual frame signing.
Notetakers
Notetakers provide a comprehensive set of notes for people, who, because they are lipreading or watching an interpreter, are unable to write notes for themselves. This can either be done electronically or manually. Find out when they are usually used and about the different kinds of notetaking they can do.
Video interpreting
Video interpreters offer a remote British Sign Language to English interpreting service via videophone.
Telephone relay
A telephone relay service helps deaf and hearing people communicate with each other over the telephone.