Disability-Competent Volunteer Interpreter Services
FSI is proud to pilot innovative Interpreter Services designed to bridge communication gaps for families navigating BC’s disability service system in languages other than English. This volunteer initiative connects trained, disability-competent interpreters with families who need support understanding and engaging in service-related meetings, planning sessions, and system navigation.
Who we serve:
Our FSI Community Interpreters Service is available to families in BC accessing any disability-related services offered in English. Too often, systemic barriers around language prevent a family from applying for support or funding, receiving well-informed healthcare, and having meaningful consultations with systems and services. This can make it hard for families to get the help they need. The presence of a disability-competent interpreter gives families the choice and autonomy to navigate services using their primary language or a language more natural to them. Language is about more than words—it’s about meaning, dignity, respect, and self-determination.
What does “disability-competent” mean?
Professional interpretation services do not typically carry the vocabulary (jargon, terms and processes) or understanding around disability concepts and perspectives. FSI Community Interpreters have lived experience in the world of disability; they are often family members of a person with a disability themselves and understand the unique experience. They are trained in providing interpretation in community settings using the disability lens.
Here are some scenarios where a disability-competent interpreter may be helpful:
Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with your child’s school team
Meetings with the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD)
Medical and healthcare appointments and sessions
Meetings with Community Living BC (CLBC)
Meetings with other community organizations about programs, services, and supports
Who we serve:
Our FSI Community Interpreters Service is available to families in BC accessing any disability-related services offered in English. Too often, systemic barriers around language prevent a family from applying for support or funding, receiving well-informed healthcare, and having meaningful consultations with systems and services. This can make it hard for families to get the help they need. The presence of a disability-competent interpreter gives families the choice and autonomy to navigate services using their primary language or a language more natural to them. Language is about more than words—it’s about meaning, dignity, respect, and self-determination.
What does “disability-competent” mean?
Professional interpretation services do not typically carry the vocabulary (jargon, terms and processes) or understanding around disability concepts and perspectives. FSI Community Interpreters have lived experience in the world of disability; they are often family members of a person with a disability themselves and understand the unique experience. They are trained in providing interpretation in community settings using the disability lens.
Here are some scenarios where a disability-competent interpreter may be helpful:
Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with your child’s school team
Meetings with the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD)
Medical and healthcare appointments and sessions
Meetings with Community Living BC (CLBC)
Meetings with other community organizations about programs, services, and supports
Main Page: https://familysupportbc.com/contact/
Contact Page: https://familysupportbc.com/interpreter-services/
Details
Disabilities
Acquired Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autonomic Dysfunctions/Dysautonomia, Behaviour Disorders and Conditions (ie. ADHD), Blind / Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Circadian Rhythm Disorders , Deaf / Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, Down Syndrome , Dual Diagnosis, Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Spectrum Disorders , Intellectual / Developmental Disability, Learning Disorder / Disability, Long-COVID/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Mental Health , Neuromuscular Disorders, Other / I don't know, Paraplegia / Quadriplegia, Physical Disability / Mobility Impairment, Schizophrenia , Speech Impairment / Social / Communication Disorders, Spina Bifida, Substance Use/Addiction
Age
0-99
Eligibility
Please complete the form on the webpage.
Locations
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