ACCESSIBILITY

Sign language interpreting

Clear information about the right to interpreting services, booking an interpreter, and preparing for important appointments.

WHAT IT IS

Support for communication in important situations

This section is for Deaf and sign-language users who need support when communicating with public authorities, healthcare providers, employers, and other services.

When a person has been granted the right to interpreting services, Kela usually arranges and pays for them. SKMY does not make decisions on Kela’s behalf, but helps people understand instructions and prepare for the next step.

WHERE TO START

Choose the action you need

02

Has the right not yet been granted?

Open Kela’s instructions, find out which documents are needed, and apply for the right to interpreting services.

Apply through Kela

PRACTICAL HELP

Vatu-keskus

If you live in the Uusimaa region and need to book, change, or cancel a sign language interpreter, or need information about Kela’s interpreting services, you can contact Vatu-keskus.

Uusimaa Phone: +358 20 634 4810

Open the Vatu-keskus page Open Kela remote service

READY-TO-USE MESSAGES

Prepare your interpreter request

Open a card, fill in the date, time, and address, then copy the message.

The copied message is in Finnish because interpreter services in Finland process requests in Finnish.

Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for an appointment at DVV.

Date:
Time:
Address:
Meeting place:
(main entrance / reception / waiting area / specialist’s office / information desk)
Purpose of the appointment:
(registering details / change of address / collecting documents / proving identity)

Kind regards,
Name
Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for a healthcare appointment.

Date:
Time:
Name of health centre / hospital:
Address:
Meeting place:
(for example, reception / main entrance / doctor’s office / waiting area)
Purpose of the appointment:
(doctor / dentist / examination / operation / consultation)

Kind regards,
Name
Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for an appointment at Migri.

Date:
Time:
Migri office:
Address:
Meeting place:
(main entrance / waiting area / official’s office)
Purpose of the appointment:
(submitting an application / extending a permit / receiving a decision / guidance)

Kind regards,
Name
Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for an appointment at Kela.

Date:
Time:
Kela office:
Address:
Meeting place:
(main entrance / waiting area / electronic queue number)
Purpose of the appointment:
(benefits / interpreting services / social support / personal appointment)

Kind regards,
Name
Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for TE services.

Date:
Time:
Address:
Meeting place:
(main entrance / waiting area / specialist’s office / information desk)
Purpose of the appointment:
(registering as an unemployed jobseeker / employment plan / training / guidance)

Kind regards,
Name
Hello,

I need a sign language interpreter for an appointment at a school or educational institution.

Date:
Time:
Address:
Meeting place:
(main entrance / reception / study office / teacher’s office / guidance counsellor’s office / waiting area)
Purpose of the appointment:
(applying for a place of study / continuing studies / exam / test / meeting with a teacher)

Kind regards,
Name

SKMY IS HERE TO HELP

Not sure where to start?

Do you not understand a letter from DVV, Migri, Kela, or another organisation?

Do you not know how to book a sign language interpreter?

Are you unsure which steps to take next?

Write to SKMY.

We can help you understand the situation and instructions, and suggest possible next steps.

Write to SKMY