About this leaflet

This leaflet is for you if you are:

We use the term deaf people to refer to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people throughout this leaflet.

In this leaflet we explain about the different types of language service professionals (LSPs):

We also cover:

You should always make sure the LSP you book is suitably qualified and registered with a recognised, professional association. We explain more about this here.

You can read about our communication services here.

You can download a portable document format (PDF) version of this leaflet (opens new browser window).

What kind of communication support service can I choose?

You should choose a service that suits you and your needs. If you're not sure, ask for advice when making a booking. We have factsheets on all the services described in this leaflet.

What types of communication support are there?

BSL/English interpreters

Deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL use BSL/English interpreters. They can make it easier for a deaf sign language user and a hearing person to communicate with each other. An interpreter interprets from BSL to spoken or written English, or vice versa.

Make sure you book an interpreter who has completed approved interpreter training and who is registered with either the Independent Registration Panel (IRP) or the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI).

See our factsheet, Working with a BSL/English interpreter

Video interpreting

Although most interpreting is done face-to-face, some providers now offer video interpreting services. Video interpreting is not a replacement for face-to-face interpreting. But it has been set up to try to solve the problem of getting an interpreter at short notice or for brief appointments.

Anyone with access to a webcam or videophone can use a video interpreter. Some councils, hospitals and police stations have these.

Deafblind interpreters and communicator guides

Deafblind people and hearing or sighted people use deafblind interpreters or communicator guides to communicate with each other.

Interpreters and communicator guides work with a range of communication methods including BSL, hands-on-signing, clear communication, the Block Alphabet, the Deafblind Manual Alphabet and speech-to-Braille.

Make sure you book a deafblind interpreter who is registered with the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP).

See our factsheet, Working with an interpreter or communicator guide for deafblind people.

Lipspeakers

Lipspeakers work with people who prefer to communicate through lipreading and speech. You should be a confident lipreader with good English skills to use one. Both deaf and hearing people can use lipspeakers to help them communicate with each other.

Lipspeakers repeat what is said without using their voice, so that you can lipread them easily. They produce the shape of words clearly, with the flow, rhythm and phrasing of speech. They use natural gestures and facial expressions to help you follow what is being said. They may also use fingerspelling if you ask them to.

Make sure you book a lipspeaker who has completed approved Level 2 or Level 3 training and who is registered with the CACDP.

See our factsheet, Working with a lipspeaker.

Speech-to-text reporters

Speech-to-text reporting is suitable for deaf people who are comfortable reading English, often at high speed and sometimes for up to a couple of hours at a time. Speech-to-text reporters use systems called Palantype® or Stenograph®.

The reporter uses a special keyboard to type every word that is spoken by a speaker. They type words phonetically – how they sound rather than how they’re spelt. This is then converted back into English on your computer screen. By typing in this way, the reporter can keep up with the speed of spoken English. The resulting English is usually spelt at least 95% correctly and the remaining words are spelt roughly how they sound.

At large events, information can be projected on to a big screen or on to smaller screens around the room. This makes it easier to view.

Make sure you book a STTR who is registered with the CACDP.

See our factsheet, Working with a speech-to-text reporter

Electronic notetakers

Electronic notetakers work with deaf people who are comfortable reading English.

Electronic notetakers type a summary of what is being said on a laptop computer. This information appears on the deaf person's screen. Electronic notetaking means you have fewer words to read compared to speech-to-text reporting, but it does mean you won’t get a full word-for-word report. If you would rather have a transcript of everything that is said, you may prefer to use a speech-to-text reporter.

Electronic notetakers use special software, like RNID SpeedText® or Stereotype. They use two laptop computers – one for the deaf person and one for the operator. As well as reading the summary of what is being said on your screen, you can also type a reply, which the operator can read to hearing people in the room.

Make sure you book someone holding either the CACDP Level 2 in Electronic Notetaking (pre 2007) or the CACDP Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (notetaking).

See our factsheet, Working with an electronic notetaker.

Manual notetakers

A notetaker works with deaf people who are comfortable reading English. Notetakers are trained to take handwritten notes for deaf people in meetings, on courses, or at other events. Notetakers can write notes in a way that suits you.

It is quite common to use an electronic or manual notetaker as well as another communication service. For example, if you are watching a BSL/English interpreter or lipspeaker, it is impossible to take notes and follow what is being said at the same time.

Notetakers may specialise in a particular field. If you are taking a science degree at university, for instance, it's important that your notetaker knows something about the subject. If you have very specific needs, you may need to spend time finding the right notetaker to support you.

See our factsheet, Working with a manual notetaker.

How to book a communication support service

You can book communication support online.

Communication support services are in great demand across the UK, so it's best to book at least four to six weeks in advance.

When you book, give as much information about the assignment as possible, including dates, times and the full address of the venue. It also helps if you can supply some background information. Is it a meeting, an interview or a conference, how many people are involved, how long will it last?

You usually need to book a communication service for at least two hours. For assignments that are more than two hours long, you may need to book two LSPs. They will also need a break roughly every 30 minutes but check with them beforehand to confirm this.

How to be sure you are getting a good service

At the moment, there is no legal 'safety net' in this area, so choosing a registered professional is a way of protecting yourself as a deaf or hearing user. 

BSL/English interpreters based in England, Wales and Northern Ireland register with the IRP. Those based in Scotland register with the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI). Lipspeakers, speech-to-text reporters and deafblind interpreters register with the CACDP.

LSPs who are registered:

Confidentiality

Registered LSPs follow a strict code of ethics that means they should not tell anyone else what is said in an assignment. They are also impartial, which means they are not allowed to offer opinions while working.

How to get help to pay for a service