British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE)
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting is the means of passing messages between hearing and hard-of-hearing people. As well as translating the meaning of the words, professional sign language interpreters can also convey the feeling of what is being said. Sign Supported English (SSE) interpreters pass messages from British Sign Language (BSL) to English and vice versa. Unlike BSL, SSE is not a language in its own right – it is spoken English supported by signs borrowed from British Sign Language. The balance of English to BSL signs and features varies tremendously depending on the linguistic skills and knowledge of the user.
Demand for SSE and BSL interpreting is extremely high so we advise that you book as early as possible.
Atlas Translations' sign language interpreters are professionally qualified, accurate and will remain neutral in any situation - they will never offer an opinion. All conversations are kept strictly confidential.
Sign language interpreting is charged at an hourly rate with a minimum charge of 3 hours. A standard booking fee is also charged for each assignment. You will need to pay any incidental expenses incurred by the sign language interpreter, such as travel and accommodation. Please note that if a BSL interpreter is booked and the assignment is subsequently cancelled, for whatever reason, we do have to charge a cancellation fee. This is because our sign language interpreter will have turned down other work in order to be available for your assignment.
We can also help with lip speaking, hands on signing, and other services for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing upon request.
- Request a Quotation – BSL
- Request to be contacted by telephone
- Request a Quotation – SSE - Sign Supported English
Case Study 1
Atlas Translations regularly supplies British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
to interpret at human resources meetings and interviews. The meetings
are confidential, sometimes cover sensitive issues and usually involve complex
language and industry specific vocabulary. Our most recent assignment
was to provide British Sign Language interpretation at a disciplinary hearing
for a major trade union.
Case Study 2
London-based Atlas Translations was thrilled when it was asked to provide
a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to interpret at a wedding
ceremony two years ago. Ever sensitive to dressing appropriately
for an assignment, our BSL interpreter donned a big hat for the occasion. The
family in question has requested that the same interpreter attend at
the forthcoming christening of their first child!
Case Study 3
London-based Atlas Translations was able to help achieve satisfactory communication between a solicitor and one of his clients by providing an experienced Sign Supported English interpreter. Because of the sensitive nature of the case, Atlas Translations was able to supply an interpreter who had undergone a Criminal Records Bureau check.
