An interpreter is a person who converts a thought or expression in a source language into an expression with the exact meaning in a target language in “real time”. The interpreter’s function is to convey every element of communication—content, semantic element (tone and register) and every intention and feeling of the message that the source-language speaker is directing to target-language recipients.
American Sign Language – English Interpreting Services
American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpreters provide deaf and hard of hearing people, and those using spoken English in our community, with mutual access to clear communication with one another. Our qualified, professional Interpreters provide communication access in a variety of settings throughout Simcoe County and Muskoka. Interpreters are matched with assignments that are most appropriate for their background, skills, and knowledge. Our professional standards ensure that all conversations and related information remains confidential.
ASL Interpreting for Medical and Mental Health Care
Deaf Access provides ASL Interpreters for hospitals, medical clinics and in-home care throughout Simcoe County and Muskoka. Our Interpreters are skilled in medical terminology for communication, ensuring that the patient and medical staff receive clear, professional and confidential exchange of information.
With the dignity and comfort of the patient a priority, we provide options such as male/female interpreter selections, and interpreter consistency for ongoing care. Interpreters are available to communicate with patients with all levels of medical needs from ER/Triage requests to surgeries/procedures, labour and delivery, assessments and counselling.
ASL Interpreting for Businesses and Community
Deaf Access provides Interpreters for all types of businesses, government services and community groups. We have skilled Interpreters who are able to accurately interpret every level of communication within the workplace from internal meetings and training, to interactions with consumers.
We provide local municipalities with access to skilled interpreting services for elections, committee meetings, community events, and recreational services to further accessibility and inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing members in our communities.
ASL Interpreting for Educational Settings
Deaf Access works closely with local colleges, universities and other continuing education programs to provide ASL-English Interpreting in the educational environment. This may include, but is not limited to: classrooms, lecture halls, labs, tutoring or counseling sessions, club or group meetings, co-operative education placements, or at events on campus.
The Interpreters facilitate communication through the use of sign language, spoken or written English, cultural mediation and knowledge about visual accessibility.
Emergency ASL Interpreting Services
An emergency is defined as, “A sudden and unforeseen crisis that requires immediate attention”.
Examples of emergencies include:
- Hospital emergency visits
- After-hours urgent medical clinic visits
- Crisis centre visits
- Shelter admissions
- Police, fire or ambulance personnel interactions
- Child welfare occurrences
If you require Emergency ASL-English Interpreting services during regular business hours, contact the Deaf Access office:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (705) 728-3577
TTY: (705) 728-3599
Email: info@deafaccess.ca
If you are in need of Emergency ASL-English Interpreting Services after hours, contact Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS):
Monday to Friday, evenings, overnight and early mornings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
OIS Emergency Contact:
Phone: 1-866-518-0000 toll-free
TTY: 1-877-215-9530
SMS/Text: 1-416-712-6637 (charges may apply)
Email: urgent@chs.ca