Hear hear for Sign Solutions’ UK expansion plans

Most of the 11 million deaf or hard of hearing in the UK don’t view it as a disability, they just get on with their lives, but many do rely on interpreters to access essential services that hearing people take for granted.

One company which has helped them since 1998 is Sign Solutions, based in Alvechurch, Worcestershire.

Clare Vale is Sign Solutions’ Managing Director. “British Sign Language interpreters are based across the UK, but it’s impossible for them to physically provide communication support in several different places at the same time.

“In 2014 we introduced our Interpreterslive video interpreting service, which enables instant access to an online

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter. Deaf people can now have equal access to products and services, such as in a hospital accident and emergency department, council reception or retail store.”

Sign Solutions’ video interpretation app allows deaf people instant access to an interpreter, relaying their message via voice to the individual the deaf person is trying to engage with.

The company can also put a secure video link on an organisation’s website, to increase its accessibility.

A deaf person can click on the website link to launch a video call with an interpreter who will translate their British Sign Language into English to the organisation answering the call.

The company also offers deaf awareness training and BSL translations.

With the deaf or hard of hearing community making up more than 10 per cent of the UK population, the demand for Sign Solutions’ services is growing.

Earlier this year the company won scale-up funding from venture capital firm Midven, which is managing part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.

Prior to the investment, turnover was around £1.4 million and that had already grown by 25 per cent. Sign Solutions now plans to triple in size over the next five years.