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Lipspeaking with sign logo

What is a Lipspeaker?

A ‘Lipspeaker’ is a hearing person who has been professionally trained to be easy to lipread. Lipspeakers reproduce clearly the shapes of the words and the natural rhythm and stress used by the speaker. They also use facial expression, gesture and, if requested, finger spelling, to aid the lipreader’s understanding.

  • Some lipspeakers may be asked to use their voice, enabling the lipreader to benefit from residual hearing.
  • Some lipspeakers can relay a deaf persons voice.
  • Some lipspeakers can work online.
  • Some lipspeakers have additional British Sign Language (BSL) skills.
  • Some lipspeakers have undertaken additional Legal training.
  • Some lipspeakers have additional security clearance

Where do Lipspeakers work?​

Lipspeakers work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Legal
  • Community
  • Private Sector
  • Parliament 

Can a Lipspeaker work online?​

In April 2020, ALAS Lipspeakers started to transition to online working. Most ALAS Lipspeakers can work remotely on platforms including:

  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Chime
  • WebEx
  • Google Meet

Do Lipspeakers have an ID badge?

Some ALAS lipspeakers are registered with The ‘Scottish Register of Language Professionals with the Deaf Community’ (SRLPDC). If you cannot see a badge, you may not have a qualified and insured Lipspeaker working for you.

All ALAS lipspeakers are registered with the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and DeafBlind people (NRCPD) and carry their registration card. If you cannot see a badge, you may not have a qualified and insured Lipspeaker working for you.

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