Interpreting

Sign Language Interpreters (SLIs) are used to communicate between Deaf and non-signing people. There are a range of other forms of communication for Deaf, deafened or deafblind people including lip speakers, speech-to-text-reporters, deafblind communicator guides and interpreters.

It is a requirement under Equality Act  to provide interpreters for Deaf and Deafblind people accessing services.

We can arrange for you to have a British Sign Language Interpreter for:

• any meetings you may have with Kent County Council (KCC)
• any meeting with a Social Worker or a Care Worker who can't sign
• helping you access council information.

We have a contract with a professional organisation who provide interpreters. Only qualified and registered interpreters are used and they are trained, insured and have a strict code of conduct.  

A video below is in British Sign Language and describes the interpreting services offered by Kent County Council.

View a written transcript of the "What we do" video.

Contact us to arrange an interpreter

If you need to arrange an interpreter contact Sensory Services. You can do this through your local deaf services office.

All Sensory Services staff are skilled at working with Deaf people.

We will try our best to arrange a service for you, although some of these services do take time to arrange, so please try to give as much notice as possible.

How to use an interpreter

If you are ever attending a meeting outside of KCC and think you will require an interpreter, always ask the organisation to supply one.

Remind them that under the Equality Act they must supply an interpreter - they can find out how to book an interpreter by contacting the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) or the Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD).

There are some general things to consider and remember when using an interpreter, for more information read our Good practice guidance when using an interpreter(PDF, 30k).