Language Service Professionals
When clear communication between Deaf and hearing people is needed, an LSP should be used. Deaf Direct Communication Services can supply the support you require. We can provide advice about the best type of LSP to meet your needs.
- British Sign Language/English interpreters:
- Interpreters have had specific training to interpret between British Sign Language and English to make sure hearing people and Deaf people can communicate about any subject. As with spoken language interpreting, BSL/English interpreting is studied at degree level.
- Lipspeakers:
- A trained and experienced lipspeaker will make communication possible by putting across a speaker’s message accurately and without sound, in a clear and accessible way. They may use facial expression and natural gesture to help understanding where necessary.
- Speech to text reporters:
- Speech to text reporting aims to provide a word-for-word translation of the spoken information. Speech to text reporting uses technology which allows the sounds of speech to be typed, rather than the letters, making the translation of information quicker.
- Notetakers:
- Notetaking creates a written or typed record of the spoken meeting whilst the meeting is taking place. Notes may be followed during the meeting to help understanding and are also used as a record after the event. Unlike minutes, the notes provide access to all the information being discussed in real time.
- Deaf relay interpreters:
- Relay interpreters will adapt the interpretation given by the BSL/English interpreter to match the specific communication needs of the Deaf client. This is particularly useful where additional factors influence an individual's communication; for example, where the Deaf person has communication difficulties, maybe due to learning difficulties or illness, or the Deaf person has limited language because they are isolated from other Deaf people.
- Deaf blind interpreters:
- Deaf blind interpreters support Deaf blind people to communicate with others. They use a variety of methods including BSL, hands on signing, the manual alphabet, block alphabet and speech to Braille depending on the communication needs of the Deaf blind individual.
Deaf Direct Communication Services only uses LSPs who are registered with an appropriate body (where one exists). Registered LSPs follow the relevant Code of Ethics and Complaints procedures which include issues of confidentiality and professional development. These documents are available on request.
Quality standards are upheld internally by our own feedback procedures and regular reviews with contracting organisations. In addition, all in-house staff are supported through a system of supervision and review to ensure development is ongoing.
