Deafinite Interpreters sign DCC contract

An Exeter-based agency of British Sign Language interpreters has been awarded the contract by Devon County Council to be its preferred supplier of interpreters.

According to recent research the Deaf community is suffering as a result of lack of access to BSL interpreters, with many suffering health issues due to reasons such as a lack of information, poor communication, and unnecessary difficulties in getting to the doctor in the first place. So, it will come a big relief to Devon’s Deaf community that help is at hand.

Deafinite Interpreters is the leading interpreting agency in the South West and was founded by three local and experienced interpreters, Helen Caldwell, Alison Kingdon and Carly Renaud in 2007. At first they were working out of a small rented room with borrowed equipment, kindly loaned by Jonathon Farnhill CEO of Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education, until they set up their own office within the academy.

Deafinite prides itself on the high quality of both interpreting and office staff. In addition to its three directors, eight staff interpreters and three office staff, they have access to a large pool of highly trained freelance interpreters – the largest in the South West.

Alison Kingdon, director, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the contract by Devon County Council, following a competitive process.
“We are committed to providing an exceptional service to the Deaf community in Devon and the South West and hope that by being the preferred supplier for Devon County Council we can extend our service enabling more people access to British Sign Language interpreters.

“We hope that as a result of this contract other local authorities in the Devon area will join up to add us to their preferred suppliers' lists. Sign language interpreters allow communication to take place between deaf sign language users and hearing people and we firmly believe that access to an interpreter is vital for the Deaf community and we are pleased to be able to offer our services as part of this agreement with Devon County Council.”

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: “Our aim is to provide value for money, accessible services to the council and the people of Devon through well-managed, sustainable procurement that fulfills customer need and enhances community well-being and quality of life. We see this contract with Deafinite Interpreters as one way of achieving this vision.”

For more information on Deafinite Interpreters or to arrange an interpreter, call 01392 494922 or visit www.deafiniteinterpreters.co.uk.