Sign Language Provision

If you are a sign language user and need to contact a service in the Education Authority NI, you can contact the Education Authority by making a video call to a British Sign Language or Irish Sign Language interpreter:

• using your smartphone or tablet download the SignVideo app: in the app, tap on “search” and type in “Education Authority Northern Ireland” and press the phone icon.
• using your computer and webcam by clicking British Sign Language or by clicking Irish Sign Language. These links will take you straight through to an interpreter if one is available.

Available from Monday to Friday (from 9:00am to 5:00pm).

Conversations via this communication channel should only be used to communicate general information and it is not intended for sharing highly sensitive information.  If your conversation is more formal, or serious, in nature these will be done in person or remotely via a one-to-one Sign Language Interpreter.

The EA Equality and Human Rights Service source and book BSL/ISL approved interpreters for d/Deaf parents/carers and sign language users for meetings/ information sessions which relate to their child’s education and/or welfare.

If you are a school or parent who requires this service, please complete the Sign Language Interpreter Booking Request Form.

For any queries, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Service on equality.unit@eani.org.uk or 028 9047 0555. 

What can Sign Language Provision be used for? 

• A total of two parent/teacher meetings per pupil per year
• Key educational meetings such as annual reviews and pastoral or welfare-related discussions
• Performances and ceremonies (plays and religious events)
• Meetings regarding transition to primary or post-primary school
• Induction and information events
• Wider school life activities (prize day, sports day, celebrations)
• Meetings with EA Services (such as Educational Psychology)

This list is not exhaustive; clarification can be obtained by contacting equality.unit@eani.org.uk.  Interpreting can be provided in person or online. 

Costs and Cancellation

This is a free service provided on behalf of the EA Equality and Human Rights Service. 

Cancellation Charges 

50% of fee charged when cancelled by the user between 8 – 14 working dates prior to the booking.

100% of fee charged when cancelled by the user between 0 – 7 working dates prior to the booking.

The school will be charged for the cost of cancellation.

EA provide sign language interpretation services to support parents or carers on a one-to-one basis, however we cannot offer interpreter services to a general audience such as an open night, unless an attendee has indicated that they require an interpreter as part of any access requirements. For this type of request, you should contact Sign Language Interactions (SLI) on 03333447712 or bookingsni@signlanguageinteractions.com who will provide you with a quotation for the duration of the Open Evening. The cost for this service would be met by the school and processed via school invoice.