Interpreting Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
British Sign Language (BSL)
Making Your Video Content Truly Inclusive
Have you ever wondered how to make your video and film content more accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community? While adding SDH captions is a step in the right direction, integrating British Sign Language (BSL) takes accessibility to the next level. Whether through onscreen BSL interpreters or innovative AI avatars, you can make your content truly inclusive and engaging.
AI Avatar BSL and Human BSL: Tailored to Your Needs
Depending on your project’s requirements, you can choose between AI Avatar BSL and Human BSL interpretation—or even a combination of both:
AI Avatar BSL
Ideal for projects with repetitive or dynamic content, such as product descriptions or frequently updated materials. AI avatars offer scalability, speed, and cost efficiency. Our AI Avatar BSL options are useful when content is dynamic or “on-demand”, or when it’s volatile and needs to be updated often.
Combination of AI and Human BSL
Perfect for shorter, lower-volume video content where scalability is not required. This approach involves both a qualified interpreter and a Deaf translator to ensure the highest quality translation.
Human BSL
For one-off, high-value content, professional BSL interpreters and Deaf translators guarantee an accurate and nuanced rendition of your material.
AI Avatar BSL Example
“We are dedicated to ensuring that providing accessibility changes lives. We offer solutions that provide seamless communication with Deaf and hard of hearing customers.”
How Does It Work?
Step 1
If you think your material would work best with the avatar BSL option outlined above, then simply get in touch with us and describe what material you have so that our Project Managers can look into the best solution and process for you. Otherwise…
Step 2
Upload your video (usually in MP4 or MOV format).
Step 3
Professional BSL interpreters translate the content.
Step 4
Receive your video back, complete with BSL translation, ready to share with your audience.
Step 5
There is no restriction on the number of minutes of your video, but bear in mind since real humans would be working on the content, the longer the video, the more time we’d need. Just as an indication, a video of less than 3 minutes can normally be returned within 3 working days.
Why Add BSL to Your Video Content?
Adding BSL interpretation to your video content not only benefits the 85,000+ people in the UK who use BSL as their primary language but also showcases your commitment to inclusivity. Subtitles alone may not always capture the depth, emotion, or nuance of spoken content, especially for those whose first language is BSL.
Sign language is a language in its own right, with unique grammatical structures and layers of meaning. Communicating in your audience’s native language enhances engagement and builds a positive brand image. Engagement is improved massively if you are communicating in the audience’s own language.
BSL Interpreting for a Range of Settings
Our professional BSL interpreters are experienced across various contexts, including:
Business Meetings
Court Interpreting
Medical Consultations
Disciplinary Hearings
Legal Conferences
For assignments lasting over two hours, we recommend booking two interpreters to ensure high-quality support.
Beyond Video: Live BSL Interpreting via Video Link
Do you or your client need live BSL interpreting for appointments, business meetings, or events? We offer fully qualified BSL interpreters who can attend remotely via video link. This service is charged per minute/hour/day, and we recommend booking in advance to secure availability.
BSL or ASL: We’ve Got You Covered
Not only do we specialise in BSL interpreting, but we also offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for your video content. This ensures accessibility to a global audience, making your message resonate across borders.
Additional Services
We don’t just stop at video content or BSL. At Knockhundred, we provide a comprehensive suite of interpreting services to meet diverse needs:
- Lip-Speaking: A trained lip-speaker uses clear lip movements, facial expressions, and sometimes finger spelling to aid lipreading. Ideal for those who prefer spoken English without sign language.
- Sign Supported English (SSE): Using BSL signs in English word order, SSE is often used in schools or by those transitioning between spoken and signed languages.
- Palantype (Speech-to-Text): A Palantypist uses a specialised keyboard to transcribe spoken words verbatim, displaying them on a screen in real time. This service is particularly effective for conferences, lectures, or court proceedings.
Hear From Our Clients
We’ve worked with clients across many industries to create outstanding Audio Description. Here’s what one satisfied client had to say:
“Thanks again for sorting this [BSL interpreting], always a pleasure to work with you.”
– Leadership and Empowerment Manager, RADAR
“The [BSL] interpreters were very good. They were both able to deal with emotional, scientific, and medical content as well as the various presenting styles with the high professional standard we had hoped for.”
– Meningitis Trust
More About British Sign Language Interpreters and Qualifications
When you book a British Sign Language interpreter, please bear in mind that you will need an appropriately qualified interpreter for your particular assignment:
Junior Trainee Interpreter (JTI)
A JTI is likely to be qualified up to Level 3 NVQ and will have competent BSL skills in both listening and speaking.
Trainee Interpreter (TI)
A TI is likely to be qualified up to level 4 NVQ and will be able to use complex language and express themselves fluently in sign language.
Member of the Register (MRSLI)
A MRSLI will have met nationally recognised standards agreed by the Interpreter Registration Standards. Such interpreters are highly skilled in the use of BSL and English.
We will be happy to advise which level will best suit your needs.
Case Study
NHS West Kent Dermatology (2021 to 2025)
We support dermatology departments across Kent and Sussex by providing qualified interpreters for appointments. Our services help patients navigate complex medical discussions with confidence and clarity.
On-demand interpreting: Hundreds of sessions since 2021.
BSL interpreting onsite: Delivered across multiple locations.
“Your interpreter was excellent. Please pass on our thanks.”
Plan Ahead for the Best Results
Professional BSL interpreters and Palantypists are in very high demand. We recommend providing as much lead time as possible when booking to secure availability. Additionally, ensuring the interpreting method aligns with the preferences of the Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual(s) involved is crucial.
Let’s Make Accessibility Happen
From video content to live events, our services are designed to make communication seamless and inclusive for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.
