Deaf News: NorthLink Ferries introduces new sign language service

NorthLink Ferries has teamed up with a sign language interpreting agency to improve access and user experience for its deaf customers.

The Sign Solutions InterpretersLive! service will allow deaf customers to communicate more easily with the ferry operator when making calls to the company’s customer service department.

Working by connecting a NorthLink Ferries customer to a Sign Solutions interpreter via a video link on www.northlinkferries.co.uk, the interpreter relays the conversation between the company and the passenger using British Sign Language. The service can be used for booking queries or questions about the on board offering.

Seumas Campbell, Serco’s Customer Service Director at NorthLink Ferries, commented: “We strive to make our service open and accessible to as many people as possible. We’re therefore very pleased to be introducing the InterpretersLive! system to aid those who may require assistance with British Sign Language as part of their booking and travel experience.”

NorthLink Ferries joins a number of organisations across the UK using the Sign Solutions InterpretersLive! system including Virgin Media, EE and various NHS trusts. The introduction adds to the company’s accessible provisions including disabled cabins, assistance, dedicated seating and spaces for wheelchairs and induction loop.

For more information, visit www.northlinkferries.co. uk/sign-language-interpreter- service