General Interpreting Services

The interpreter acts as a communication facilitator so that Deaf and hearing participants can share with each other equally in a variety of situations. He or she will interpret the vocalized English into a signed form and interpret all auditory input into visual form. The interpreter will also interpret the signed form into spoken English. The interpreter will also act as a cultural facilitator between the Deaf and hearing cultures when necessary providing for a smooth communication process. Interpreters adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and strive to be members in good standing of their professional associations.

Are you looking for interpreting services for your child? You have the option of hiring a professional interpreter or, sometimes, there might be funding available for a professional interpreter depending on the situation. Professional interpreting services are available through agencies or through freelance interpreters.

Interpreting Services in British Columbia:

Douglas College Interpreting Student Volunteers

If you feel that your needs could be met by a student interpreter, please call Douglas College (e-mail: intr@douglas.bc.ca) 604-527-5552 - choose option 1 (voice) or 604-527-5133 (TTY). Requests must be made 2 weeks in advance of the event in order to coordinate schedules. All requests must be screened by a faculty member for appropriateness to students' skill levels.

Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters

Parents of Deaf children are also permitted to post to the ListServe of the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI) which reaches more than 100 freelance interpreters in British Columbia. To post a message to the list, please send an email to wavli@wavli.com.

Western Institute For The Deaf And Hard of Hearing

If you are deaf and need the services of an American Sign Language interpreter or if you want to talk with a Deaf person who uses American Sign Language, then the Interpreting Department at WIDHH can help you. The Interpreting Department offers the following services: Legal Interpreting, Mental Health Interpreting, Vocational Support Interpreting, Medical Interpreting, Practicum Placement and Public Education.

Still Interpreting Inc.