On-site and video sign language interpreters for appointments, hearings, classrooms, workplaces and events.
Prism Linguistics books sign language interpreters in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes quebecoise (LSQ) across Canada, in person in the main centres and by video remote interpreting anywhere in the country. Interpreters work between a signed language and spoken English or French, so Deaf and hearing participants can take full part in the same conversation.
Tell us the date, place, length and type of meeting, and whether ASL or LSQ is needed. Our scheduling desk takes requests 24/7, and you receive a fixed written quote, usually within 60 minutes.
ASL and LSQ are separate languages with their own grammar and vocabulary, not signed versions of English or French. ASL is used in most of English-speaking Canada; LSQ is used mainly in Quebec and in some francophone communities elsewhere. The Accessible Canada Act recognizes ASL, LSQ and Indigenous sign languages as the primary languages for communication by Deaf persons in Canada.
The right choice depends on the Deaf participant, not on the province where the meeting takes place. If you are not sure, ask the participant which language they use, and tell us whether the spoken side of the meeting will be in English or French. We assign an LSQ interpreter when LSQ is requested, rather than substituting ASL.
The settings our clients request ASL and LSQ interpreters for most often.
Appointments, procedures, mental health sessions and discharge meetings, with personal health information handled in line with PIPEDA and provincial health privacy laws.
Court and tribunal matters, lawyer meetings, police interviews and government appointments. Court requirements vary by province, so we confirm what the court expects first.
Classes, exams, parent and teacher meetings, campus services and graduation ceremonies.
Job interviews, onboarding, training, performance reviews and staff meetings, including workplace accommodation requests.
Conferences, town halls, AGMs, presentations and public consultations, with interpreters placed where the audience can see them.
Bank, real estate, insurance and family meetings booked by Deaf clients or by the business they are meeting.
An on-site interpreter works in the room, positioned so the Deaf participant can see both the interpreter and the speaker. It suits long meetings, group settings, medical procedures and anything where people move around.
Video remote interpreting (VRI) connects the interpreter by video. It is useful at short notice, in places an on-site interpreter cannot reach in time, and for shorter appointments. It needs a stable connection, a camera and screen large enough to show signing clearly, and good lighting on the Deaf participant. Telephone interpreting does not work for sign language. For spoken-language calls, see telephone interpreting.
Sign language interpreting is physically and mentally demanding. For long or intensive assignments it is common practice for two interpreters to work as a team and take turns, which keeps the interpreting accurate to the end. We tell you when a booking calls for a team before you confirm.
Book as early as you can; sign language interpreters are in high demand.
The price depends on the sign language, the location and travel, the length of the assignment, whether two interpreters are needed, and whether it falls outside business hours or at short notice. Video bookings avoid travel time. Every booking starts with a fixed written quote.
For conferences with both spoken and signed interpreting, see conference interpreting; for spoken languages in person, see face-to-face interpreting.
American Sign Language and Langue des signes quebecoise are separate languages with their own grammar and vocabulary. ASL is used in most of English-speaking Canada and LSQ mainly in Quebec and some francophone communities. Ask the Deaf participant which one they use.
Yes. Video remote interpreting works well for shorter appointments, short-notice requests and locations an on-site interpreter cannot reach in time. It needs a stable connection, a large enough screen and good lighting on the Deaf participant.
Long or intensive assignments are usually covered by two interpreters who take turns, which keeps the interpreting accurate throughout. We tell you when a booking needs a team before you confirm.
Book as early as possible, because sign language interpreters are in high demand. For short-notice needs, contact our 24/7 scheduling desk and we look at every option, including video.
It depends on the setting. Many public services and employers arrange interpreters as part of their accessibility obligations, so ask the organization first. We provide quotes to organizations and to individuals.
Tell us which sign language and which spoken language the meeting uses, and we confirm an interpreter for that combination before you book.
Send your meeting details for a fixed written quote. Call +1 888 693 6123 or email info@prismlinguistics.ca.
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