Lipspeaking has developed over many years as a vital communication support method within the Deaf community, enabling clearer access to to spoken language through the skilled use of silent articulation, facial expression and natural gesture.
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.
What a Lipspeaker cannot do:
Lipspeakers cannot translate or relay British Sign Language or Signed English into spoken English. This is the role of a British Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI/RSLI).
Lipspeakers work in a variety of settings, including:
In April 2020, ALAS Lipspeakers started to transition to online working. Most ALAS Lipspeakers can work remotely on platforms including:
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.
