Hearing Callers
Receiving calls from a Deaf person
It’s simple, you would answer the call your usual way.
A BSL Interpreter will introduce the service and the Deaf person first before they begin to relay the conversation.
The Interpreter will then relay the call between yourself and the Deaf person, translating from BSL to English and English to BSL.
Making a call to a Deaf person
Dial 0141 530 8113 to reach a Contact Scotland BSL interpreter.
An Interpreter will answer the call and ask for the Deaf person’s contact details (email or SMS) to send them an invite to join the video call.
The Interpreter will then send a video invite to the Deaf persons email address, and/or SMS and the Deaf person joins the live call by clicking the link in the email.
If the Deaf person doesn’t join, they receive a record of who called, and any message and contact details, allowing them to respond later.
Etiquette guidelines for VRS
- The BSL interpreter will introduce the Deaf person, then voice their sign language.
- E.g. “This is ******* and I am speaking to you through a BSL Interpreter”
- Always speak to the client and NOT the Interpreter
- Do say – “What is your call regarding?”
- Don’t say – “Ask him / her what the call is regarding?”
- The Interpreter will speak in first person, using “I / me” when speaking on behalf of the Deaf person
- Expect a time delay (lag) during interpreted conversations, you will experience longer pauses than in a two-way conversation.
- Frequent interruptions can make the conversation difficult to understand. Please be patient and allow the BSL Interpreter to facilitate smooth communication
- Everything you say will be relayed to the client and vice versa. Please do not ask Interpreters to withhold information, as this is a breach of their code of conduct
- When the call is completed, just hang up as usual.