A videophone interpreting service is available for deaf and hard of hearing people who use the Council’s Advice and Benefits service.
A videophone is a telephone with a viewing screen and a built-in camera that allows a three-way conversation between the deaf or hard of hearing person, the Council officer they're speaking to, and an RNID sign language interpreter.
The videophone is set up in a private interview room in the Advice and Benefits Service reception on the first floor of Riverside House (West).
How does it work?
When a deaf or hard of hearing person asks to use the phone, a call is put through to the RNID to engage a sign language interpreter.
The interpreter then appears on the screen to interpret the conversation between the videophone user and the Council officer they are speaking to.
People who use the videophone are able see and communicate with the person they are talking to at the same time.
Demand
An RNID interpreter should be available for videophone users on demand, but sometimes we may have to arrange another time for you to use the videophone if demand is heavy.
You can find out more by contacting the Advice and Benefits Service using the details on the right.
The Council worked with the RNID and volunteers to test and launch the videophone interpreting service.