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  • Sign language and lip speaking

    Topics:
    • Languages, 
    • Irish, 
    • Ulster-Scots, 
    • Sign language

    The Department for Communities has commissioned both British and Irish Sign Language interpreting services (Face to Face and Video) to the NI Public Sector through qualified, quality controlled and experienced contractors. This service will be available as and when required. This includes outside normal office hours and at weekends. Normal office hours is defined as 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday.

    Procedure for requesting interpreters

    Where a requirement for a service has been identified the user should contact the contractor via email to request the worker and provide the following information:

    • location of assignment or request for video interpreting
    • start date and time of assignment.
    • duration of assignment
    • any special requirements/details?
    • details of where to report to and who to report to
    • purchase order number (if available)

    Users must provide as much notice as possible when booking an interpreter. However the contractor will have the ability to facilitate an emergency turnaround time as required i.e. less than 24 hours from the request.

    For non-emergency requests, the contractor will notify the user within 24 hours from request, if a suitable interpreter is available to carry out the appointment.

    For emergency requests, the contractor must notify the user, within a maximum of 2 hours from request, if a suitable interpreter is available to carry out the appointment.

    If you are wanting to avail of sign language or lip speaking services then contact Sign Language Interaction Ltd

    Name: Jennifer Dickson
    Telephone: 0333 344 7712
    Email: bookingsni@signlanguageinteractions.com

    Please contact translationhub@communities-ni.gov.uk for pricing information.

    The Public Service standards of contract, Specifications, Terms and Conditions of Framework and Commercial Conditions of contract for this service are available on request. Please contact translationhub@communities-ni.gov.uk

    Related content

    • Department for Communities (DfC) Sign Language Fund
    • Department for Communities (DfC) Sign Language Fund Criteria and Guidance Notes 2025/26
    • Development and use of Ulster-Scots
    • Development of an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy
    • Face to face and video interpreting services
    • Framework for interpretation, translation and transcription services
    • Gaeltacht Quarter and Irish language Broadcast Fund
    • Irish and Ulster-Scots central translation hub for the public sector
    • Líofa
    • Sign Language COVID-19 Support Fund
    • Sign Language Legislation
    • Telephone interpreting services
    • Translation and transcription services
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