Welcome to the efsli website

We hope you find the web site informative and that you find what you are looking for. If not, please feel free to contact us for any more information.

What is efsli?

The European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli) represents the interests of sign language interpreters in Europe. efsli is a European membership-led organisation of sign language interpreters consisting of national & regional associations with individual and associate members. efsli is working towards the higher status of the profession of sign language interpreters in Europe.

Vision

efsli is a forum where good practice and expertise are shared between all stakeholders in the field of sign language interpreting, such as sign language interpreters themselves, users of the services, educators and policy makers. By bringing together actors from all sectors and levels, efsli aims to further the mutual understanding of the professional requirements for sign language interpreters. By encouraging an exchange of knowledge, efsli aims to encourage the higher status of the profession through proper and continuing education, increasing professional recognition and adequate remuneration.

Values

The forum fosters a vision of a European-wide high standard of sign language interpreting services which enables interpreters to fulfil their work in a professional manner. As a result providing equal access to all EU citizens, including Deaf and hard of hearing persons.
Essential is the right to professional sign language interpreting services as stated in United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which was also adopted by the EU Commission in January 2011.

Aims & Objectives

• To encourage and promote deliberation and mutual exchange of the profession of interpreting services within Europe
• To work to secure official recognition of the profession of Sign Language Interpreting
• To encourage and promote scientific and pedagogic initiatives to improve standards of Sign Language Interpreting and Interpreter training
• To provide advice and support to Sign Language Interpreters, Interpreter trainees, Interpreter trainers, and users and providers of Interpreting services
• To present the interests of the profession of Sign Language Interpreting to appropriate bodies
• To do all such things as shall further the objects of efsli

Become an efsli member!

If you would like to support the work of efsli, receive membership benefits, and the latest news: join efsli! As an efsli member you get for example the monthly efsli in Brief for free. Check it out: efsli_in_brief_October 2010.pdf