Advocacy Tools for a Sustainable Signed Language Interpreting Profession

Working conditions for signed language interpreters (SLIs) are not standardised across Europe. Even within a single country, there can be regional differences in employment schemes, fee structures, team interpreting practices, and the recognition of deaf interpreters. In most European countries, these conditions do not allow for a sustainable interpreting profession. SLIs often face financial insecurity and instability, lack of social protection, limited opportunities for skills development, and a career path with a promotional ceiling. For deaf SLIs, challenges also include limited work opportunities and systemic barriers related to training and official recognition.

National Sign Language Interpreter Associations (NASLIs), individual SLIs, and service users all experience the consequences of unsustainable working conditions:

• SLIs leave the profession
• SLI student numbers decline
• Qualified SLIs choose not to work in the field
• Many SLIs take on second jobs, reducing their availability for interpreting work
• Service users face shortages of available interpreters

Efforts to improve SLIs’ working conditions and achieve policy change are essential. Such change can be driven by NASLIs, in close collaboration with National Deaf Associations (NDAs) and researchers. Successful advocacy requires collaboration, research, reliable data, statistical evidence, and a clear strategic plan identifying which policies need to change.

This presentation will cover:

• What advocacy work is
• Methods and tools for effective advocacy
• The five phases of advocacy work
• The importance of research and data in advocacy
• Practical examples, including:
• Data needed to advocate for improved working conditions
• Strong collaborations among stakeholders (NASLIs, NDAs, researchers, policymakers)
• Replicable research to support regional advocacy efforts

The aim of this training is for participants to begin planning one or more concrete actions to support advocacy for a sustainable signed language interpreting profession in their own region.

About the trainer:
Isabelle is a qualified spoken and signed language interpreter (Flemish Sign Language, Dutch, English). Her PhD project (KU Leuven, Belgium) is a descriptive study of linguistic interpreting strategies in Dutch - Flemish Sign Language interpreting as used by deaf, hearing, CODA and new signer interpreters. Her postdoctoral project as a Marie Curie research fellow (University of Warwick) explored the effect of ideologies on signed language interpreters’ linguistic choices. During her time as Assistant Professor Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) she conducted research projects on the sustainability of the signed language interpreting profession in Flanders (Belgium - https://strategicinterpreting.blog/2024/05/02/duurzaamheid-van-het-beroep-tolk-vgt-x-onderzoeksresultaten-en-aanbevelingen-vgt-nederlands/) and Ireland (https://strategicinterpreting.blog/2025/01/09/the-sustainability-of-the-irish-sign-language-interpreting-profession-research-report-recommendations/).

On March 4th, we will hold an online discussion focused on practical strategies and challenges in advocacy work.

To help you prepare, we have created a recorded theory video and a worksheet. These materials will guide you to reflect on your own challenges and issues, which we will then discuss during the session.

Please note: registrations will close on February 18th to give you enough time to watch the video and complete the worksheet before the discussion.

We look forward to an engaging and productive session with you!