efsli is a European membership-led organisation of sign language interpreters and translators, including full members (national and regional associations), individual members and associate members. efsli works to achieve the recognition, better understanding and higher status of the profession of sign language interpreters and translators in Europe.

efsli is a forum where good practice and expertise can be shared between all stakeholders active in the field of sign language interpreting and translation, such as sign language interpreters and translators, service users, educators and trainers, and policy-makers. 

By bringing together stakeholders from all sectors and levels, efsli aims to further understanding of the profession of sign language interpreting and translation. 

By encouraging the mutual exchange of knowledge, efsliaims to achieve the higher status of the profession by means of education and training, and work towards the professional recognition and fair remuneration of sign language interpreters and translators across Europe.

The efsli forum envisages high-quality sign language interpreting and translation services across Europe which enable interpreters and translators to carry out their work in a professional manner, thereby providing equal access to all citizens of Europe, including Deaf, Deafblind and hard-of-hearing service users.

The right to professional sign language interpreting and translation services is essential, as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which was adopted by the European Commission in January 2011.

efsli works to: 

• secure the official recognition of the profession of sign language interpreter (SLI) and sign language translator (SLT)
  
  
• encourage and promote mutual exchange between SLIs and SLTs who are professionally active in Europe
  
  
• encourage and promote scientific and educational initiatives to improve the standards of sign language interpreting and translation and the academic education and continued professional training of SLIs and SLTs
  
  
• provide advice and support to SLIs and SLTs, including trainees, interpreting & translation education providers and professional trainers, and the users and providers of interpreting and translation services
  
  
• represent the interests of the profession of sign language interpreting and translation when interacting with external stakeholders and decision-makers across Europe.