Sign language interpreters help businesses to improve their accessibility and customer service. They do this by providing a communication link between customers and staff, which makes the customer experience more positive.
Sign language interpreters ensure that deaf and hearing people can understand each other, which leads to a better experience for all involved. This is important because it breaks down the barriers between these groups, promotes equality and independence for Deaf people who are often marginalised or ignored.
Knowing how to work effectively with a BSL interpreter will help you get the most from this very valuable resource.
Sign language interpreters are highly skilled, experts in their field and can often provide on the spot guidance, information and signposting to support staff working with them for the first time.
Five tips for using a BSL Interpreter
If you’ve never worked with a sign language interpreter before, it can be difficult to know what to look for, where to find one and the etiquette required for a successful interpreted interaction. Here are our top tips to hep you get started.
Check their qualifications
You should use only interpreters registered with NRCPD. Interpreters are categorised as ‘Registered Sign Language Interpreter’ (RSLI) or ‘Trainee Sign Language Interpreter’ (TSLI). RSLIs can interpret in any domain whereas TSLIs should not interpret in legal or mental health domains, owing to their lack of training and experience.
An interpreter qualification is completely different to a qualification in BSL. These can often be confused leading to ‘unqualified signers’ working as interpreters without the appropriate training and registration required. All interpreters must be trained in ‘interpreting’ which involves managing discourse between two languages (BSL and English) simultaneously. BSL qualifications alone, do not provide this.
Sign language is taught in levels, from one to six. For people or organisations with an interest in developing basic BSL skills, levels one to three are usually adequate. To become fluent in BSL (level six) can take several years to achieve. Making sure the BSL interpreter you want to hire has the required training and qualifications ensures a good experience for all involved and reduces the risk of mistakes which can cause issues for the Deaf person.
Prepare as much as possible beforehand
You can prepare the interpreter by providing information about the appointment such as attendee names, an agenda, PowerPoint slides or meeting notes. Ensure this is given to the interpreter in advance of the meeting with enough time for them to read and ask any follow up questions if needed. This also gives the interpreter time to research any specific vocabulary/signs they will likely use during the event or meeting.
Also bear in mind the duration of your event or meeting and what other situations the interpreter may be needed for. For most sessions of an hour or more, you will need two or more interpreters to share the workload and cover the additional delegate needs during breaks or downtime. This will ensure that interpreters get adequate breaks and don’t become fatigued.
Think about timings
If you’re using a BSL interpreter, they will need additional time to translate what’s being said from BSL to English and vice versa. Not allowing enough time could result in inaccurate interpretations if the interpreter feels rushed or not being able to complete your meeting/ appointment.
Think about your audience
Ensure the Deaf audience members can see both the speaker and the interpreter, or if one of your speakers is Deaf, ensure the interpreter is provided with a microphone, so the hearing audience can easily hear the spoken interpretation. Reserve front row or accessible view seating for your deaf patrons to reduce issues of poor or blocked visibility. The addition of interpreters on-screen can also enhance a deaf attendees experience, if reserving front row seating is not possible.
Know where and how to book
Sign Solutions provides BSL interpreting and translation services in-person or online, plus expert consultancy to help ensure your organisation is as accessible as possible, and it’s super easy to book! For expert advice on which type of communication support will meet your needs, call 0121 447 9620, email bookings@signsolutions.uk.com or contact us via a BSL video interpreter.
What skills should a good BSL Interpreter have?
Sign language interpreting is usually done simultaneously, meaning that interpreters must constantly listen, understand, translate and produce signs all at the same time. High levels of concentration and stamina are needed for a successful interpretation.
Coping under pressure and in highly stressful environments are also essential for a BSL Interpreter. Keeping their cool means they’ll be able to effectively interpret spoken and signed language, even if the atmosphere becomes tense.
Why do you need to use a BSL Interpreter?
Access and Inclusion is crucial for all events and meetings and helps to create a diverse and inclusive environment that engages everyone and doesn’t discriminate. It can also help ensure you are meeting your legal obligations.
Understanding the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people is essential and there are many ways that working with a professional BSL interpreter can help you achieve this to benefit your business, meeting or event.
A professional BSL interpreter will enable your Deaf BSL users to participate in meetings, presentations and training sessions equally and allow them to feel engaged, informed and able to contribute. It will help bring your information and content to life and make it available to a wider audience.
