Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service ...

Deaf community. All Board members should act in the best interests of the IrishSign Language Interpretation Service, and should not sit on the Board in arepresentative capacity for any constituency.The Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service would require a small team ofdedicated staff comprising of a full time Manager, Finance Officer,Administrative/Booking Officer and a Project Manager (who would be part time inphase one).SLI Advisory GroupThe SLI Advisory Group should be established in phase one and would act as asounding board for the Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service and Comhairle.Stakeholders would be involved in an advisory capacity (for example, in policyinput and service development), but would not have decision-making authority.Technology-enabled remote interpretingA key element of phase one would involve exploring, and beginning to exploit, theopportunities provided by new technologies to support the delivery of SLI services.During this phase, technology for SLI services in Ireland should be assessed, adecision made on what technology should be rolled out in phase two, relevantimplementation planned and co-ordinated and pilots commenced. This technologyshould facilitate remote interpreting services and is likely to include, for example,delivery of interpreting services via the use of videophones or web cams.During phase one, videophone technology should begin to be piloted in certainareas, with appropriate communication and promotion of its use, in addition toother forms of technology that are deemed appropriate.During phase one, the Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service should design,set up and maintain a comprehensive website, which would include a facility forbooking interpreters via email. The website could include information on services,rates, guidelines on how to work with an interpreter, information on emergencyinterpreting and social interpreting, information on schemes/entitlements whichDeaf people are eligible for, links to other useful sites, etc.Interpreter employment statusIn phase one, most interpreters are likely to continue to work on a freelance basis.However, formal service level agreements or contracts should be establishedbetween the Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service and each interpreter.ComplaintsThe Irish Sign Language Interpretation Service should put in place an effectivecomplaints system, with appropriate escalation procedures, involving independentinput where required.Phase 2: Objectives and key functionsPhase two should involve further development of SLI services in Ireland, with aparticular focus on the implementation and rollout of technology identified duringphase one. The specific objectives of phase two include:Review of Sign Language Interpretation Services and Service Requirements in Ireland • page 21