Language Service Professionals
BSL/English Interpreter
British Sign Language interpreters work between spoken English and British Sign Language (BSL). Hearing people and Deaf people who use BSL as their preferred first language, use BSL interpreters to facilitate communication in a variety of settings including; health, Social Services, education, legal, theatre, employment and social events. BSL interpreters should be fluent in both languages and trained to transfer the meaning of both the spoken and signed message between the participants, using their understanding of potential cultural differences. Interpreters are bound by their Code of Ethics and Conduct to ensure that they respect confidentiality and remain impartial throughout.
Speech to Text Reporter (STTR)
A Speech to Text Reporter is effective in many settings; education, in the work place, interviews, training and conferences. The reporter types verbatim the spoken word into a Palantype or Stenograph keyboard. To keep up with the speed of spoken English, the STTR types the words phonetically, relying on how the words sound rather than how they are spelt. The technology then converts the text back into English for display onto a laptop or big screen. A STTR can also provide information with regard to relevant environmental sounds, such as laughter or applause. The system is usually chosen by those with good English skills and allows both Deaf and hearing people to have simultaneous access to the same information.
Electronic Notetaker (ENT)
An Electronic Notetaker (ENT) is generally used by deaf people with good English skills in education, employment, training and conference settings. The ENT uses specialist software to type a non-verbatim summary of what is being spoken, which can be used as a simultaneous record during the event or as back up notes, if the deaf person is watching a Lipspeaker or BSL interpreter. The ENT types onto a laptop that can be viewed by the deaf person on another laptop or linked to a big screen for large groups. Notes can be given to the deaf customer on a memory stick or sent within 24 hours if required.
Lipspeakers
Lipspeakers listen to what is being said and silently repeat it so the deaf person can lipread them. The lipspeaker will clearly reproduce the shape of the words and the natural rhythm and stress used by the speaker. This is supported with natural gestures and facial expressions. If requested, the lipspeaker will fingerspell the initial letters of any difficult words. People who use a lipspeaker usually have good English skills.
Deafblind Interpreter
A person with dual sensory loss will use various, combined methods of communication, including the Deafblind manual alphabet, block alphabet, hands-on signing and visual frame signing, depending on the degree of sight and hearing loss they are living with. A Deafblind interpreter will use the preferred communication method of the Deafblind person to ensure they have access to communication and will work in a variety of settings including health, Social Services, legal, employment and training environments.
Relay Interpreting
Relay interpreting is a specialist service requiring more than one interpreter to communicate a discussion in situations where the Deaf person has specific language and/or learning needs, for example, limited language skills if the first language is not English or BSL, Mental Health or additional physical or cognitive needs. A relay interpreter may be Deaf or hearing and has the ability to modulate their language production to match that of the Deaf person. They will often work with a BSL interpreter to ensure that the Deaf client understands the information being communicated to the best of their ability. Settings include Social Services reviews, case conferences, police interviews, court hearings and Mental Health tribunals.
Manual Notetaker
A Manual Notetaker is trained to take handwritten notes in settings such as lectures, meetings and training sessions. The notes are not verbatim but encompass the main content of what is spoken, including key points, jargon, names and references. A Manual notetaker is useful to those who have good English skills and will often work alongside a BSL interpreter or Lipspearker.
Communicator Guide
A Communicator guide provides communication support in less formal settings, such as everyday activities like shopping, social events, clubs and in the home. They will support the Deafblind person to make a phone call, write a letter, travel to a destination and complete general tasks in the home. If the Deafblind person is attending a training session or conference, the Communicator guide will support the Deafblind person to travel to and from the venue and during breaks while a Deafblind interpreter will usually provide access to the main communication event such as the lecture.
Communication Support Worker (CSW)
CSW’s support Deaf learners of all ages to communicate with their teachers and other learners. CSWs work as part of the education team alongside other professionals, such as: Teachers of the Deaf (TODs), Speech and Language Therapists (SALTs), Audiologists and sometimes British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters.
Duties typically include:
- Supporting students by interpreting between spoken English and BSL, notetaking and lipspeaking
- Supporting students with understanding and producing written material in class
- Adapting learning materials so that students understand them more easily
- Suggesting ways that the school or college environment can be improved to make it easier for students to use hearing aids or lipread.