Are you Deaf or hard of hearing? Are you helping someone who is?
If so, there are free services to help with communication, including American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signe Québécoise (LSQ) interpretation, video relay services (VRS), in-person support, and more. Whether you're applying for a program, meeting with a healthcare professional, managing personal affairs, or accessing community supports, these services help ensure you can communicate in a way that works best for you.
Video Relay Service (VRS)
Canada VRS enables people whose primary language is ASL or Langue des signe québecoise (LSQ) to communicate with voice telephone users.
You’ll sign to a video interpreter who knows ASL/LSQ, and they will directly interpret your signs into speech for the person on the other end of the call.
Canada VRS is free to use, and you can make and receive calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to use VRS
- To get started you’ll need to register for a Canada VRS account. Visit the Canada VRS website where you will choose what type of Canada VRS account you would like to register for:
- Personal account
- Work account (a second account to use for work
- Youth account
- Next, you’ll select the type of device you will be using (iPhone/iPad, Android, Mac, or PC). If you are using a mobile device, you will be prompted to download the SRV Canada VRS app. If you are using a mac or PC, you will be provided with installation instructions.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to create your account. You’ll be asked to provide personal information such as your contact details and preferences. You will also be asked to read and accept a user agreement. The agreement outlines terms and conditions for using VRS including privacy and security policies.
- As a security measure, Canada VRS will verify that it is you who is using your name and information to register for a VRS account. You will receive a text message on the cell phone number you used for your registration. Insert the code in the registration form to complete the registration process.
- Within one business day, you will receive your VRS 10-digit number via the email address you provided. This is the number you will use to make and receive Canada VRS calls.
- You are now ready to make your first call! Watch this video for tips on how to use Canada VRS to make a call. You can also visit the Canada VRS YouTube channel to learn more about using VRS to the fullest.
Interpreter services
New Brunswick Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (NBDHHS) provides professional interpreter services for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing in New Brunswick. This service allows communication between people who use ASL and those who do not. Interpreters help ensure that both parties can understand each other clearly during important conversations.
Interpreter services are provided on behalf of the Government of New Brunswick and are free for the following services:
- Medical (for example, medical appointments, consultations with specialists, mental health support, and other healthcare services)
- Legal (for example, meetings with lawyers, court hearings, police interviews, etc.)
- Employment (for example, job interviews, help with applications, on-the-job training, workplace issues, etc.)
- Education (for example, college or university classes, parent-teacher meetings, etc.)
- Social supports (for example, applying for government programs, meeting with a social worker, getting help from a community agency, etc.)
Book an interpreter
To book an interpreter, contact NBDHHS:
Phone/video call: 506-633-0599 (extension 3).
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Email: interpretercoordinator@nbdhhs.com
Book an emergency interpreter
(4:30 PM to 8:30 AM – including weekends and holidays)
If you have an urgent need for an interpreter outside of regular hours, call the emergency line at 506-333-4515.
Outreach supports
New Brunswick Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Inc. offers an outreach program designed to provide flexible, personalized support for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The program helps people with a variety of needs.
Support may include:
- Communication assistance (for example, help using video relay services (VRS), accessing interpreter services, or learning to use accessibility apps and devices, etc.).
- Help understanding and/or interpreting documents (for example, reading bills, letters, or official papers, etc.),
- Employment support (for example, job coaching, career counselling, resume help, etc.).
- Help accessing healthcare, legal, and/or social services (for example, booking medical appointments, understanding consent forms, applying for benefits, connecting with community programs, etc.).
- Advocacy and support (for example, helping to resolve communication challenges, assisting with rights and accommodations, supporting conversations with service providers, etc.).
- Cultural sensitivity and accessibility training (for example, training provided to workplaces, organizations, and service providers to increase understanding of Deaf culture and improve accessibility.).
For more information:
Outreach services are available in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John.
Phone/video call: 506-633-0599 (extension 2).
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
