ISL Voucher Scheme

The Irish Sign Language (ISL) voucher scheme provides ISL interpreters free of charge to deaf individuals who use ISL as their first language and those who require ISL support to engage with a variety of events, services, and activities. The scheme is aimed at ISL users aged 18 and over, providing access to more social, educational, cultural, and medical events.

Visit the Sign Language Interpreting Service website for more information about the scheme and to learn about it via ISL.

ISL Voucher Guidelines and Eligibility

• There’s a limit of five (5) vouchers per person per year or per 12 months - to ensure that the scheme is as accessible to as many in the Deaf Community as possible

• This request may involve booking a sign language interpreter for a single occurrence or repeat appointment (like educational training or medical). Recurring or repeat appointments for follow-up treatment arising from a private medical service covered by the voucher scheme will be included and added to the original application and not treated as a separate voucher application.

• SLIS (Sign Language Interpreting Service) has employed a dedicated Administration Booking Officer (ISL fluent) to promote and administer the scheme

• Application requests need to be made at least two weeks before the event.

• Applications will be accepted through their website, by email, by text, through ISL video message and by post.

• The voucher scheme will provide a maximum fee of two half-day (high skill rate) for theatre and live performances to include preparation time per interpreter, noting that more than one interpreter may be approved.

  • If there is a compelling case made in writing for more interpreting preparation to ensure quality of interpreting for theatre and live performances, SLIS will consider requests in advance for a longer duration. Any decision to extend this booking duration will be at the discretion of SLIS to approve in advance of booking taking place.

For more information, visit slis.ie/voucher