Communication Services

Deaf Connexions offers a range of different communication services. We can provide British Sign Language Interpreters, Lipspeakers, Communication Support Assistants, Electronic Note Takers and Deafblind Communicators.

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Communication service

British Sign Language Interpreter

Using qualified registered BSL/English Interpreters makes your service accessible, assisting you to meet your requirements under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that Deaf and hearing people can understand and communicate with each other.

A BSL/English Interpreter can be employed anywhere they are needed to assist with communication between Deaf and hearing people. The interpreter's job is to relay all information and culturally mediate between the Deaf and hearing people involved.

Interpreters are impartial and are responsible for conveying what is said accurately. Our interpreters are registered with NRCPD and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Interpreters are completely impartial and are not responsible for what is being said at the meeting, only for conveying it accurately.

Who can use the service?

Anyone who is Deaf, or anyone who is hearing and needs to communicate with a Deaf person using BSL.

Deaf Connexions is part of INTRAN (Norfolk's Interpretation and Communication service). Interpreters can be booked to work within the INTRAN settings and can also work in other settings not signed up to INTRAN.

If you would like more information please contact us and if you would like to book an interpreter please click here.

If you would like a copy of our charges please click here.

INTRAN
BSL interpreter

Communication service

Lipspeakers

If you lipread in order to understand what people are saying then you may find a lipspeaker can aid your communication.

A lipspeaker can be employed anywhere that they are needed to assist with communication between deaf and hearing people.
What is lipspeaking?

If you are Deaf and a lipreader it is very difficult to follow everything that is being said.
A lipspeaker will sit close to you and convey the message without using their voice.

Who can use the service?

Deaf Connexions is part of INTRAN, Norfolk's Interpretation and Communication service and the service is normally free to Deaf people using the service provided by the consortium Partners.

Lipspeakers may also be booked to work outside of these areas but there may be a charge for these services.

How do you use a lipspeaker?

Lipspeakers are completely impartial and confidential. They are not responsible for what is said at a meeting, only for conveying it accurately.
A lipspeaker does not act on your behalf. You are the person in control.

If you need to book an lipspeaker please contact us.


Lipspeaker

Communication service

Communication Support Assistant

Deaf Connexions is able to provide communication support in the form of Communication Assistants where the use of a fully qualified Sign Language Interpreter is not essential.

This could mean:

Supporting a Deaf person in the workplace to assist them with everyday tasks such as facilitating communication on the telephone.
Supporting in a social setting to reduce the isolation that a person may be experiencing
Accompanying a Deaf person with additional needs to a day care or community facility for a time to assist their integration.
Working with a Deaf parent who wishes to attend a parent and toddler group.
The Communication Assistant may use a variety of communication methods to facilitate communication. They may take notes, use sign language or lipspeak, depending on their skills and the needs of the person they are supporting.

They have an awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture and the specific issues relating to people who are deaf.

The Communication Assistants employed by Deaf Connexions are working towards a higher level of qualification in their skills and are involved in continuing professional development.

If you would like further details of this service please contact us. We would be happy to discuss any aspect with you..


Communication Support

Communication service

Electronic Note Takers

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and attend meetings, seminars or lectures, you may find that using an electronic notetaker can aid your communication.

An electronic notetaker can be employed at meeting, conferences and lectures - wherever it is going to be helpful to you.

What is electronic notetaking?

Even if you lipread there may be times when you need extra communication support at meetings or lectures, whether it is a one to one meeting or a large group of people.

An electronic notetaker will sit next to you and convert the speech to text on a laptop computer. The type will be large so that you can easily read it. It will show speaker's names and what each person says.

If there is more than one Deaf person at the meeting the text can be projected onto a screen so that they all can read it.

If you would like to book an electronic notetaker please contact us.


Notetaker

Communication service

Deafblind Communication

Deafblind people have different degrees of sight loss and deafness. They do not all communicate in the same way.

Some may use combined methods to communicate. It is therefore advisable to ask the person before booking communication support.

How Deafblind people communicate

Some Deafblind people have residual sight and hearing and are able to use a combination of speech, hearing aids and lipreading to communicate.
Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) and who then lose most of their sight will probably prefer to continue using BSL if they can see some signs.
If they are unable to see, they may use hands-on signing.
Some Deafblind people with little or no sight or hearing use the "Block Alphabet" which involves tracing out the alphabet in capital letters usually on the palms of their hands
Deaf Connexions can assist you to provide Interpreters who specialise in working with Deafblind people.

For more details please contact us.


Deafblind

Deaf Connexions

Deaf Connexions is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), reg no 1188715. Working across Norfolk we provide a range of services to support Deaf people and their families through the provision of information, and communication support.

Contact Us

Phone:
01603 660889

Minicom:
01603 661113

Text:
07932 069352

Skype:
deaf.connexions

Email:
mail@deafconnexions.org.uk




Address:
Deaf Connexions
Rotary House, King Street
Norwich, NR1 2BL