Interpreting
Empowering communication through expert Deaf-led services
Action Deafness is a Deaf-led charity with over 127 years of heritage and expertise. We provide a wide range of specialist communication services across the UK tailored to meet the needs of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing people.
Our passionate professionals expertly bridge communication and cultural differences, facilitating seamless interactions in diverse settings, supporting different communication styles and promoting inclusivity.
18 million+
Over 18 million UK adults have deafness or hearing loss.
150,000+
Over 150,000 people use BSL in the UK, and for an estimated 87,000 Deaf people, it's their first or preferred language.
More than half
More than half the population aged 55+ have hearing loss.
15,000 hours
Each year, Action Deafness delivers around 15,000 hours of interpreting support.
Michael's Story
Matt's Story
Our Communication Services
Our highly skilled Communication Professionals ensure effective communication across professional, social, and healthcare settings, tailored to the individual's communication preferences. We can also facilitate Access to Work (ATW) bookings.
BSL/English Interpreters: Sign Language Interpreters enable communication between Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users and hearing people, using BSL and spoken English in both directions. BSL is a distinct language with its own grammatical structure and syntax. Depending on the nature of the booking, you may require fully qualified Registered Sign Language Interpreters (RSLIs) or Trainee Sign Language Interpreters (TSLIs).
Sign Supported English (SSE): For people who use/prefer SSE, or have limited BSL fluency, Interpreters use signs from BSL alongside spoken English.
Deafblind Interpreters: Specialised qualified Deafblind Interpreters assist people with vision and hearing loss through methods such as hands-on signing, Deafblind Manual Alphabet and block, while being aware of the individual's visual frame. In-person service only.
Relay-Intralingual Interpreters: Specialist Deaf Relay Interpreters (who may be RSLI/TSLI) work alongside BSL interpreters to support communication to modify BSL in situations where the Deaf person has specific or complex language needs.
Lipspeakers: Lipspeakers clearly repeat spoken messages silently for lipreaders. Alongside clear lip patterns, they use facial expressions, gestures, basic signs and fingerspelling.
Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs): Real-time word-for-word transcription/subtitles for meetings, conferences, and events, ensuring accurate capture of spoken content.
Notetakers: Detailed, high-quality written notes, in educational and professional settings, ensuring clear and concise information sharing.
British Sign Language (BSL) Translators: Registered Sign Language Translators (RSLTs) translate written English into BSL and vice versa, for accessible formats (documents, websites, training videos and more).
Other communication support: Please contact us for more information.
Ensuring Quality
All our trusted in-house and freelance Communication Professionals are DBS-checked at an enhanced level, and registered with the National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).
Action Deafness has approved provider status with NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) Framework and is compliant with ISO 18441 (Interpreting) quality standards.
'The NRCPD is the leading voluntary regulator for language service professionals, setting the benchmark for excellence in the UK and British Overseas Territories. We proudly oversee a wide range of professionals. By registering professionals, setting rigorous standards, investigating fitness-to-practise concerns, and championing high-quality language services, we ensure that the needs of d/Deaf and deafblind communities are met with professionalism and integrity.'
Our Expertise
Our friendly and dedicated Bookings team is here to support communication needs. If you're unsure which service is right for you, our team will provide expert guidance. We strive to match you with highly qualified Communication Professionals from our team, based on specific preferences.
Are you a Communication Professional? Join our growing network. Learn more about registering with us below.
For communication tips and resources on working effectively with Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing people, please visit our Resources page.
Diverse Settings
We offer expert communication support across a range of environments, with flexible delivery options to suit your needs:
In-person and face-to-face support:
Direct, on-site communication support at your preferred location.
Remote and digital:
Remote support via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other digital platforms, including Video Relay Interpreting (VRI).
Our services can be utilised in various environments, including:
Professional and workplace: Workplace interviews and communication support in the workplace, Access to Work (ATW) support, meetings, training sessions, events, and conferences.
Educational settings: Schools, colleges, universities, and parents'/carer evenings.
Health and social care: Medical appointments, mental health appointments, and social care appointments.
Legal: Legal appointments, including police interviews, court settings, and solicitor meetings.
Social and community: Social occasions, weddings, funerals, theatre, TV, and film productions, ensuring full participation in events.
Proactive Accessibility: Investing in Inclusion
Demonstrate your organisation's commitment to true accessibility and inclusion. We go beyond mere compliance, partnering with you to create environments where everyone can fully participate and foster a valued culture.
Benefits:
Boost your reputation: Lead in accessibility and social responsibility.
Expand your reach: Access wider customer and talent pools.
Improve collaboration: Create inclusive, productive environments.
Reduce legal risk: Proactively meet accessibility requirements.
Increase customer loyalty: Show genuine care and build strong relationships.
Drive innovation: Foster diverse perspectives for creative solutions.
Enhance brand image: Build a reputation for inclusive practices.
Book Our Communication Support
Whether you require a one-off service or ongoing support, we offer tailored packages, contracts, and service-level agreements to meet your specific needs.
Our friendly team is ready to assist you. Please complete the booking form below.
Book Our Communication Support
Contact us
Please complete the booking form.
Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9am - 5pm | Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
For more information, please contact us:
Call us in BSL using the AD 360 button.
Email [email protected]
Call 0116 253 3212
Out of hours/Urgent requests 24/7 Call/Text 07947 714040
Communication Professionals
Join our evolving team! We welcome registrations from all Communication Professionals, including freelance BSL Interpreters, and those seeking in-house Interpreting opportunities.
Benefits of registering with us:
Diverse opportunities: Work in various settings, from schools to hospitals.
Flexible options: Face-to-face, remote work, flexible hours.
Support local and national clients: Make a difference.
Prompt payments: Invoices paid within 30 days.
Friendly Bookings team: A supportive and professional working environment.
Trusted heritage: 120+ years of expertise as a Deaf-led Charity.
Register today
Register today and become part of a dedicated team, making a real difference to the lives of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing people.
Please email: [email protected] for a registration pack.
Related Services
Looking for more ways to be inclusive? Action Deafness offers additional services to help your organisation become even more accessible:
SignTranslate: Bespoke British Sign Language (BSL) translation and editing services to make your content accessible to everyone.
Bespoke Deaf Awareness Training: Equip your team with the knowledge and skills to confidently interact with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
Accessibility Consultation: Our team can guide you through how to make your services accessible. Connect with us to discuss your requirements: [email protected]
