BSL Video Relay Service Provider Prepared for Public Emergency

British Sign Language (BSL) services provider Sign Solutions has been appointed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to provide on-demand Video Relay Service (VRS) support through its InterpretersLive! platform.

In the event of any public emergency, Deaf people who use BSL will be able to access UKHSA information and services directly through InterpretersLive!.

The service connects Deaf and hearing people in real time through qualified, NRCPD-registered BSL interpreters and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UKHSA is responsible for protecting people in England from infectious diseases and other health hazards, as well as preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

Operated by Sign Solutions, InterpretersLive! also provides interpreting services for public-sector organisations including central government, NHS and local councils.

“The pandemic showed how important it is for Deaf people to receive timely public health information in BSL,” said Clare Vale, Managing Director of Sign Solutions, which was founded in 1998 to provide on-demand and around the clock interpreting, training and translation services nationwide.

“If a future emergency occurs, InterpretersLive! will help Deaf BSL users access UKHSA information and services quickly and directly. This appointment recognises the important role that video relay services can play in making official communications accessible.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Sign Solutions works alongside a network of more than 1,000 Enhanced DBS‑checked, NRCPD‑registered interpreters and is recognised as the largest employer of in‑house BSL interpreters in the UK.

It also collaborates closely with accredited Deaf translators and provides highly qualified professionals who support all forms of non-spoken communication. 

To find out more visit https://www.signsolutions.uk.com/