Free Interpreters For Deaf People
A lot of people are unaware of the help that is available for deaf people who are working or looking for work.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA, 1995) covers employment and failure to make ‘reasonable adjustments,’ such as providing an interpreter or specialised equipment, is unlawful.
The Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) is a growing professional association and support network for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters in Wales, England and Northern Ireland. They aim to encourage good practice in sign language interpreting and represent the interests and views of BSL interpreters and the interpreting profession.
Access to Work is one of ASLI’s government funded scheme’s which enables deaf people to book a registered interpreter at work so they can communicate comfortably in their first language, the British Sign Language. Their service is available to anyone who is employed or looking for employment, regardless if it’s full-time, part-time, permanent or temporary.
Arranging an Access to Work assessment can be done by contacting a Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus who can put you in touch with an Access to Work Adviser. A package of support is then agreed and can vary from a few hours a week to full time provision.
There are also three levels of interpreters available including; Member of the Register, Trainee Interpreter and Junior Trainee Interpreter. Their level of service varies from translating training sessions and staff meetings to accompanying people at job interviews and employment tribunals. Each level, or colour badge, have qualification requirements set by The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).
You can find interpreters on the Signature website, through ASLI’s free online directory or through an agency. ASLI suggest you book in advance, ideally three weeks notice before the booking.
It’s important to remember that if deaf people don’t have full access to information they may not be able to contribute at work and may miss out on promotion or other career opportunities. ASLI was officially established in 1987 and the current ASLI National Chair is Dr Christopher Stone who took up office in March 2007.
For information on Employment & Training have a peek here.
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