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American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services

Last updated on April 12, 2022

This page can help you find out more about ASL interpretation services delivered by the B.C. government. Visit our Supports and Services page for information on other services. You can also contact Provincial Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

BC government supports and services

Education

Post-Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS) at BCIT

Post-Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS) is a province-wide service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. PCAS provides information on how to access:

  • Interpreting
  • Speech-to-text services
  • Note-taking
  • Assistive technology
  • Other services and supports

Employment

WorkBC Employment Services Centres

You can get an interpreter at all WorkBC Employment Services Centres. You may also be able to get up to $5,000 for assistive supports, including interpretive services. You can use these services to take part in:

  • Approved Employment Program of BC services
  • Job search
  • Job start
  • Job retention during the first four weeks of employment

Find a WorkBC Employment Services Centre near you.

Financial supports

Income and disability assistance offices

You can get an ASL interpreter at income and disability assistance offices. Interpreters are available via telephone and, on a case-by-case basis, in person. Interpreters may be available on 24-hour notice. Find out more about applying for income assistance.

Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal

Interpreters can attend Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal hearings. If you need an interpreter, you can ask for one:

Learn more about the Tribunal.

Health

Mental Health – Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind Well Being Program

Contact the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind Well Being Program (WBP) if you need an interpreter with experience in mental health. They provide:

  • Group and individual therapy
  • Mental health and addictions appointments
  • Mental Health Community Workshops

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority manages the WBP.

Provincial Medical Sign Language Interpreting Services

In British Columbia, sign language interpreters, intervenors and CART services for health care are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients, family members and healthcare providers can request the service when needed in a healthcare setting. The Provincial Language Services is responsible for delivering the services.  

To book a service or check the Provincial Medical Sign Language Interpreting Services page for more information

Housing

Residential Tenancy dispute resolution hearings

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) offers dispute resolution for landlords and tenants. RTB provides accredited American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

Legal Services

Legal proceedings

If you have to attend court, you can get an interpreter for:

  • Provincial and Supreme Court criminal adult and youth cases
  • Family cases in provincial court
  • Traffic court cases
  • Municipal bylaw cases
  • Any court, upon court order

Find out more about how to arrange for an interpreter for court proceedings.

RCMP and the Vancouver Police Department

The Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WIDHH) works with the RCMP and the Vancouver Police Department. They provide interpreters for police and legal situations.

Contact the police officer involved in your file to request an interpreter. Interpreters are available for both scheduled appointments and emergency situations.

Contact the WIDHH Community Interpreting Services to learn more:

  • Voice: 604-731-9413
  • TTY: 778-327-4375
  • FaceTime: communityis@icloud.com

Sports

BC Deaf Sports Federation

Children who take part in community sport and recreation can get interpreting services. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture provides this service. Find out if your child meets the criteria and how to apply.

Find a registered interpreter in B.C.:

Qualified interpreters are members of the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI). They follow the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada’s Code of Ethics. This guides interpreters and ensures a high quality of service.