Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service

The Sign Language Referral Service (SLIRS) is a 24/7 service created to provide consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf/blind that use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with easy access to interpreters for scheduled appointments and/or emergency situations. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) sets significant accessibility requirements for government agencies and private entities that are open to the public. Meeting these requirements often requires providing sign language interpreters for a variety of situations.

In addition to Sign Language Services, LVCIL will provide Peer Support, Advocacy, Information & Referral, and Independent Living Skills services to any resident of the Lehigh Valley who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf/blind.

SLIRS Service Area:

SLIRS serves a large area in Eastern Pennsylvania. Counties of service include, but are not limited to, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Bucks, Pike, Luzerne, Berks, Schuylkill, Montgomery, and regions in New Jersey.

SLIRS Services:

SLIRS operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and provides qualified interpreters to the following entities:

• Federal agencies
• Local businesses
• Hospitals, healthcare providers, and doctors’ offices
• Nursing homes
• Schools
• Theaters
• Courts
• Employers
• State and local governments

In addition to scheduled appointments, SLIRS also offers emergency on-call services.

To reserve a sign language interpreter, or for more information, please call 610-770-9781 ext. 116 or email slireferral@lvcil.org between 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. For on-call service outside of normal business hours, please call 610-972-8236.

 All interpreters are members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).These interpreters follow a strict Code of Ethics. SLIRS will always try to accomodate consumer preferences related to interpreters and methods of communication.

SLIRS was started in 2004 through a grant from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation