Sign language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression and body language. It is used mainly by people who are Deaf or to support those who have a hearing loss. In the UK, the most common sign language used is British Sign Language (BSL). It has its own grammatical structure and syntax; as a language, it is not dependent upon or related to English.
On the 28th April 2022, the BSL Act was given Royal Assent. The Bill recognises British Sign Language as a language of England, Wales and Scotland; it requires the Secretary of State to report on the promotion and facilitation of the use of British Sign Language by ministerial government departments; and to require guidance to be issued in relation to British Sign Language.
https://www.signature.org.uk/what-is-british-sign-language-bsl/
Leeds Sign Language Interpreting Service (LSLIS)
LSLIS was established in 1995 and provides a confidential and impartial sign language interpreting service to all deaf people living in Leeds.
We have both an in-house team and access to a pool of freelance interpreters who can interpret in various settings.
The LSLIS team are skilled and experienced in a number of domains, and specialise in medical-based interpreting. They are also professional, friendly, and flexible, so they are easy to work with too!
We ensure that all of the interpreters we use are: –
- Registered Qualified Interpreters
- Registered with the NRCPD (National Registers of Communication Professionals for Deaf and Deafblind People)
- Have a DBS Certificate
- Have Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Have photo identification
- Are trained in a variety of settings
- Receive continuing professional development to maintain and improve standards
In addition, LSLIS believes strongly in supporting interpreters to develop and grow, so work with the freelance interpreting community and seek ways to provide training or offer advice to trainee or newly qualified interpreters.
Meet the Team
My first role within the Society was Administrator of the Leeds Sign Language Interpreting Service, a position I held from 1999 to 2004. I left for a while and returned to the team in 2017. In 2021 I became Accessibility Manager, a role which has given me the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge, while learning and developing within a diverse and talented team.
I have been a registered qualified interpreter for eighteen years and am passionate about improving my practice and helping others to do the same. After training to become a professional supervisor with 360 Supervision, in June 2022 I successfully completed my Diploma in Supervision for Sign Language Interpreters and Allied Professionals.
In my spare time I enjoy writing and began self-publishing in 2018. A few of my books are science fiction and fantasy related, genres I particularly love. If you put those together that’s even better – I might be slightly obsessed with all things Marvel!