Sign Language Interpreting Service

Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) was established in 2007 through the Citizens Information Board as a national Sign Language Interpreting Service.

SLIS provides a range of services including:

• A referral service to assist clients to find the right interpreter for their needs. To request a referral please contact us on the details below. It is important to give as much advance notice as possible, as interpreter availability may be limited. Clients will organise and pay the interpreters directly. Under Equality Legislation, all interpreting costs should be borne by the service provider and not by the Deaf person.
• The Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS). IRIS is a simple user friendly service which provides an online link to an Irish Sign Language / English interpreter using programmes such as Skype, ooVoo or Webex. The IRIS interpreter is based in the SLIS offices whilst the clients can be located anywhere in Ireland.

To request an IRIS appointment, or to arrange for a demonstration, email remote@slis.ie.

Mission Statement

SLIS will promote, represent, advocate and ensure the availability of quality interpretation services to Deaf people in Ireland.

Strategic Aims

The goal of SLIS is to ensure that Deaf people can live as full and equal citizens with easy access to relevant public, educational and social services, and exercise their rights and entitlements, including under the Equal Status and Disability Acts.

The SLIS Statement of Strategy Document 2015-2020 commits SLIS to:

• Enhancing high quality interpreting services that allow Deaf People to participate fully in all aspects of public life.
• Promoting and encouraging good practice and professional standards across all interpreting services offered to Deaf People.
• Increasing availability of interpreting services in key areas of daily life, particularly where Deaf people are accessing their rights or entitlements.
• Continuing the development of Irish Remote Interpreting Services (IRIS).
• Advocating for the needs of Deaf People in relation to access to interpretation to allow them participation in key aspects of life; most particularly public services.

Contact Details for SLIS