Need an interpreter in your language? Fill out the request form below.
Disability-Competent Volunteer Interpreter Services
FSI is proud to pilot innovative Interpreter Services designed to bridge communication gaps for families navigating BC’s disability service system in languages other than English. This volunteer initiative connects trained, disability-competent interpreters with families who need support understanding and engaging in service-related meetings, planning sessions, and system navigation.
- عربي
- فارسی/فارسی
- हिंदी
- 한국인
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Soomaali
- Español
- Tagalog
- اردو
- 中文（繁體）
- 中文（简体）
We offer live, real-time interpretation for families and caregivers of people with disabilities.
نحن نقدم الترجمة المباشرة في الوقت الحقيقي للأسر ومقدمي الرعاية للأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة.
خانواده ها و مراقبین افرادی که معلولیت دارند، می توانند از خدمات ترجمه زنده وهمزمان ما استفاده کنند
हम विकलांग लोगों के परिवारों और देखभाल करने वालों के लिए लाइव, वास्तविक समय की व्याख्या प्रदान करते हैं।
장애인 가족 및 보호자 분들을 위한 실시간 통역 서비스를 지원합니다.
ਅਸੀਂ ਅਪਾਹਜ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਲਾਈਵ, ਅਸਲ-ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਆਖਿਆ ਦੀ ਪੇਸ਼ਕਸ਼ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
Waxaan bixinaa turjumaad toos ah, oo toos ah, qoysaska iyo daryeelayaasha dadka naafada ah.
Ofrecemos interpretación en vivo y en tiempo real para familias y cuidadores de personas con discapacidades.
Nag-aalok kami ng live at, real time na pagsasalin ng wika para sa mga pamilya at tagapag-alaga ng mga taong may kapansanan.
ہم خاندانوں اور معذور افراد کی دیکھ بھال کرنے والوں کے لیے لائیو، حقیقی وقت کی تشریح پیش کرتے ہیں۔
我們為身心障礙者的家庭及照顧者提供即時、現場口譯服務。
我们为残疾人士的家人和护理人员提供实时口译服务。
Who we serve
Our FSI Community Interpreters Service is available to families in BC accessing any disability-related services offered in English. Too often, systemic barriers around language prevent a family from applying for support or funding, receiving well-informed healthcare, and having meaningful consultations with systems and services. This can make it hard for families to get the help they need. The presence of a disability-competent interpreter gives families the choice and autonomy to navigate services using their primary language or a language more natural to them. Language is about more than words—it’s about meaning, dignity, respect, and self-determination.
What does “disability-competent” mean?
Professional interpretation services do not typically carry the vocabulary (jargon, terms and processes) or understanding around disability concepts and perspectives. FSI Community Interpreters have lived experience in the world of disability; they are often family members of a person with a disability themselves and understand the unique experience. They are trained in providing interpretation in community settings using the disability lens.
Here are some scenarios where a disability-competent interpreter may be helpful:
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with your child’s school team
- Meetings with the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD)
- Medical and healthcare appointments and sessions
- Meetings with Community Living BC (CLBC)
- Meetings with other community organizations about programs, services, and supports
There is a difference between Interpretation and Family Support:
- INTERPRETERS make critical information accessible
- FAMILY SUPPORT offers understanding and encouragement from someone who has walked a similar path
What do Community Interpreters do?
Interpreters are neutral third parties who provide real-time, accurate interpretation during meetings or conversations between families and professionals. They do not offer advice or personal opinions, but ensure that everyone involved can communicate clearly and equitably, regardless of language barriers.
Our interpreters are trained in disability-specific terminology and concepts, ensuring respectful and informed communication.
Family Support in your preferred language
Family support in another language is delivered by trained volunteer Resource Parents (RPs) who share lived experience and offer guidance, emotional support, and system navigation assistance—all in the family’s preferred language.
While interpreters facilitate communication, family support offers connection, empathy, and peer-to-peer insight.
Together, they help ensure equitable access for all families—no matter what language they speak.
Request an Interpreter
If you or someone you support needs interpreter services, select your language below. Requests can be submitted by families, service providers, or government agencies.
PLEASE NOTE: Consent from the person requiring interpretation is mandatory before a request can be fulfilled. We do not currently offer written translation services.
For Agencies and Community Partner Organizations
English only
For Families / Individuals
انتبهوا أيها العائلات
نحن نقدم الترجمة المباشرة في الوقت الحقيقي للأسر ومقدمي الرعاية للأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة.
قابل توجه خانواده ها
خانواده ها و مراقبین افرادی که معلولیت دارند، می توانند از خدمات ترجمه زنده وهمزمان ما استفاده کنند
परिवारजन ध्यान दें
हम विकलांग लोगों के परिवारों और देखभाल करने वालों के लिए लाइव, वास्तविक समय की व्याख्या प्रदान करते हैं।
가족 여러분들께
장애인 가족 및 보호자 분들을 위한 실시간 통역 서비스를 지원합니다.
ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਜੀ
ਅਸੀਂ ਅਪਾਹਜ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਦੇਖਭਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਲਾਈਵ, ਅਸਲ-ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਆਖਿਆ ਦੀ ਪੇਸ਼ਕਸ਼ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
Fiiro gaar ah Qoysaska
Waxaan bixinaa turjumaad toos ah, oo toos ah, qoysaska iyo daryeelayaasha dadka naafada ah.
Queridas familias
Ofrecemos interpretación en vivo y en tiempo real para familias y cuidadores de personas con discapacidades.
Kumusta mga Pamilya
Nag-aalok kami ng live at, real time na pagsasalin ng wika para sa mga pamilya at tagapag-alaga ng mga taong may kapansanan.
اہل خانہ توجہ فرمائیں
ہم خاندانوں اور معذور افراد کی دیکھ بھال کرنے والوں کے لیے لائیو، حقیقی وقت کی تشریح پیش کرتے ہیں۔
各位家庭好
我們為身心障礙者的家庭及照顧者提供即時、現場口譯服務。
致各位家长
我们为残疾人士的家人和护理人员提供实时口译服务。
Interpreter Services FAQ
What languages does this service offer?
We currently have Community Interpreters for the following languages: Arabic, Korean, Hindi, Mandarin, Farsi (Persian), Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu. Interpreters may primarily speak a specific variety (dialect) of a language; if the interpreter and your family use different varieties of the same language, the interpreter will aim for clarity and meaningful communication above all.
We hope to be able to offer more language options in the future.
What qualifications or training do FSI Community Interpreters have?
Community Interpreters have native fluency in their language of interpretation, and fluency in English. They have undergone a Community Interpreting Course with the Interpreter’s Lab in Vancouver, BC.
Many have volunteered with FSI as trained Resource Parents/Peers, supporting family caregivers in meetings and years of informal interpreting within their community.
How many interpreters are available?
As this is a pilot project, there may be only one trained interpreter per language, although some languages have more than one at this time. We hope with anticipated demand we can grow the project to meet the needs of the community.
What can I expect after I submit a Request Form?
To ensure the best chance of securing an available interpreter, we ask for a minimum of 5 business days’ notice prior to your service meeting or appointment. We will contact you within 3-5 days of submitting your Request Form to confirm an interpreter, discuss any necessary details and make arrangements for contact.
During the meeting or appointment, the interpreter will be present in-person or online, or by phone, providing live-time interpretation between your family and the service provider. They will interpret for you so you can understand what is being communicated and also communicate your words back. All interpreted exchanges are confidential and impartial.
The interpreter will not offer advice or personal opinions. It is important to note that this is different from the support of a Resource Parent/Peer, which would provide you with emotional support and resource navigation. A Resource Parent/Peer can also be available for you from FSI upon request.
Can interpreters attend in-person meetings?
This depends on the location and the volunteer interpreter’s availability. While we make every effort to fulfill an in-person request, it may not always be possible. Interpreters can call in to a meeting over the phone or virtually via videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. We will contact you within 3-5 days of submitting your Request Form to confirm an interpreter, discuss any necessary details and make arrangements for contact.
Do you offer Translation services?
Translation is for written materials; interpretation is verbally spoken/signed real-time exchanges. FSI Community Interpreters do not have formal translation training. If you are seeking translation for written documents, it is advisable to ask for such support from the school, government agency or service provider directly.
Do you offer ASL or sign language interpretation?
The purpose of the grant we received for this pilot initiative was to address the gap in disability-competent interpreters, with the goal of assisting multilingual families facing barriers around healthcare and disability support. Additionally, the training involved in sign language and spoken language interpretation are different. If you are require sign language interpretation, it is advisable to ask for such support from the school, government agency or service provider directly.
If you are looking for family support (not formal interpretation) in ASL, contact us to get connected with a Resource Parent/Peer.
Do I have to pay to request an interpreter?
All of FSI’s services and supports are free to all families in BC.
The FSI Community Interpreters service is made possible thanks to a grant from Community Living BC.