Barnet Council launches British Sign Language video interpreter service
Barnet Council has launched a British Sign Language (BSL) video interpreting service, InterpretersLive!, that assists residents who are deaf and hard of hearing to access our contact centres using live interpreters either via video call or in-person at our Colindale offices
Earlier this year the British Sign Language Bill received royal assent, becoming a nationally recognised language and the council responded by reviewing how it could improve access to services for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
As part of this process, the council has undertaken work on our Barnet.gov.uk to ensure content is accessible, however, for some residents and queries, the importance of being able to speak to someone directly is crucial.
A Barnet Councillor said: “We have a commitment to ensuring our services can be accessed equally by all residents and continue to find ways we can improve their experience with council services.
“This legislation highlights how simple things like picking up the phone and asking for advice and support is not an option for some in our community, we aim to bridge that gap so all residents can benefit from council services that affect their everyday lives.”
As part of the process, the Council has engaged with residents alongside Sign Solutions to test this tool and will continue to work with the community to ensure service offerings can be improved for residents.
Clare Vale, MD of Sign Solutions said: “Sign Solutions are delighted to be partnering with Barnet Council to provide our on-demand video interpreting service, InterpretersLive! Residents of Barnet Council will now be able to access council services through their first or preferred language of BSL.
Proactive in their approach, Barnet Council have put the Deaf community at the heart of implementing InterpretersLive!, ensuring that the communities’ needs are met, and we look forward to building on our partnership and supporting deaf and hard of hearing residents to access council services.”
InterpretersLive! can be accessed via Barnet.gov.uk where residents can request an interpreter between 9am to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 5.00pm Friday immediately or book an appointment. Residents can also access this service in person through our Colindale locations via our front desk teams.
You can contact Barnet Council via the InterpretersLive! Directory
