Exeter agency backs deaf association call

An Exeter based interpreting agency for Deaf and hard of hearing people is supporting a move by the British Deaf Association (BDA) calling for all public bodies and agencies to be required by law to provide a Deaf person with a registered communication professional.
As the South West’s leading interpreting agency, Deafinite Interpreters is supporting the vital campaign to ensure full access for everyone.
Talking about the campaign Helen Caldwell, a founding director of Deafinite Interpreters, said: “It is vital that Deaf and hard of hearing people are supported by qualified, registered BSL/English interpreters and other communication professionals in their daily life.
“It is vital that we support this petition to ensure that it is a legal requirement to provide a registerd communication professional. At Deafinite Interpreters we employ the largest team of interpreters in the region, made up of our experienced in-house team and carefully selected freelance interpreters and you can be assured of our absolute attention to detail and provision of the right skill set.”
A spokesperson for BDA said: “Ensuring Deaf people are included in all walks of life saves taxpayers’ money by avoiding misdiagnosed illnesses, reducing unemployment, lessening demand on services and by ensuring their ability to contribute to the workplace and the wider community.
“Too many public bodies, including schools and hospitals, are either using unqualified communication workers, or relatives, or not using anyone at all. This wastes money and must stop.”
You can sign the petition and show your support by visiting www.submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/58405.