International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually on September 23, during the International Week of Deaf People. This day is an opportunity to bring awareness to the Deaf community, Deaf Culture, and the importance of protecting the human rights of all sign language users.

Throughout the world, there are over 70 million Deaf people using more than 300 sign languages. Sign languages are fully realized visual languages with unique grammatical structures that use handshapes, movements, and expressions to convey meaning. Sign languages may be an individual’s first language, with their country’s official language being their second language. In Canada, this may include American Sign Language (ASL) and English, and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) and French.

Accessing Sign Language Interpretation Services

Do you need Sign Language Interpretation Services for your patient? Below you will find options for accessing Sign Language Interpretation.  

LanguageLine

InSight Video interpreting offers interpretation services by medically trained interpreters, in 140 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), which is available 24/7.

To access ASL interpretation services using InSight Video interpreting services, please use your unit/department iPad, and follow the instructions posted in the InSight Video Interpreting quick reference guide. The guide can be found here.

Remember to have your unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

It is important to establish a stable internet connection; to do this, please ensure that your iPad is connected to TBRHSC’s WiFi, rather than free WiFi options. To connect an iPad to TBRHSC’s account, please contact the Help Desk at: 807-684-6411.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Canadian Hearing Services

Canadian Hearing Services offers On-demand Quick Access Interpreting as well as Emergency Interpreting for various sectors, including healthcare.

Video-remote sign language interpreting is available 24/7 in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ). To learn more about these services, visit the Canadian Hearing Services website.

To access emergency sign language interpretation through Canadian Hearing Services, please contact them at:

Phone: 1-866-518-0000

Email: urgent@chs.ca

Text: 416-712-6637

*Please note that there is a fee for service, and manager approval may be required. Please give priority to the LanguageLine service, and use Canadian Hearing Services as an alternative if LanguageLine is unavailable, or in other exceptional or emergency circumstances.

To learn more about the International Day of Sign Languages, please check out the United Nations’ website.

To learn more about how to work respectfully with Sign Language Interpreters, please go to the Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters website.