Silent Sounds On-Line BSL Interpreting service

Leading deaf communication service, Silent Sounds are introducing a revolutionary new On-Line BSL interpreting service working in partnership with deaf charity Sign Health. 

Richard Durrant, the Business development manager for Silent Sounds said:

"Silent Sounds have been looking at various ways that we can increase our support for the deaf community, and also to help cut costs for our customers in the Public sector. On-Line BSL interpreting is something that we have been looking at for some time and that we believe is an inevitable development, considering the technological advances over the last few years, particularly with regards to high speed broadband, and also the public sectors desire to cut costs.

On-Line BSL interpreting is not and never will be a replacement for face to face British Sign Language interpreting, but is something that can be used to compliment the services that are already being offered. We believe that its' main use will be in hospitals, for emergency reception type appointments, such as outpatients, A&E units and maternity units, and it will also become widely used for basic GP appointments. Its’ primary purpose, would be to deal with initial enquiries and basic appointments, and not in-depth consultations.

Silent Sounds will be working as partner to deaf charity Sign Health. who are providing the infrastructure for the On-Line interpreting service. A small piece of software loaded on to any pc/laptop within the client's organisation, will then enable the client to access the video interpreting service.

There is no huge outlay to be made on capital costs to set up this service, all that is needed is a reasonable quality webcam, and a pc/laptop with an average specification, together with a high speed broadband line, and telephone handset.

We believe that this innovative service will provide the deaf patients with much needed immediate access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and will help the organisations using the service to make significant savings"

Please go to www.silent-sounds.co.uk if you are interested in receiving more information regarding the Silent Sounds/Sign Health On-Line BSL Interpreting service.   

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-10

Tip 10 - Same as everyone 

Deaf people vary like everyone else - in temperament, work rate, intelligence, special skills. Like everyone else, they expect to be respected for what they can do at work. They expect to contribute to the team like everyone else. While sign language is complex and takes time to learn, Deaf people will respond positively to anyone who tries to be visual and who makes the attempt to communicate directly.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-9

Tip 9 - Hearing interruption 

One of the most annoying things for a Deaf person at work is when a hearing person responds immediately to sounds (like the telephone or someone calling) while the Deaf person is in conversation with that hearing person. Because a Deaf person may not be able to hear this sound, he/she will feel suddenly cut off if the hearing person looks away or grabs the phone. If you have to, indicate visually or gesturally that the phone is ringing or someone is calling. In signing it is usual to establish the topic first, then to explain about it. It is important for you to make sure the person knows what you are going to talk about before you start explaining. Be visual (use gestures to point to the object or write down the heading) if you wish to change topic or to do something else.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-8

Tip 8 - Clear line of sight 

It is best to remove objects that are on tables, obstructing the view between you and the Deaf person (flowers, menu cards, stacked trays for incoming mail, etc). Ideally a Deaf person should have a place of work, (desk, workstation, workbench) which allows them to see the rest of the room and other people working there. It is a bad idea to be facing the wall. It should be well lit but not facing the sun. People who come to the desk should have the light on their faces not behind their heads.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.