Remote service

You can use the remote service of the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled (Vammaisten tulkkauspalvelukeskus) for example to book an interpreter and for short interpreting sessions. You do not need to book an appointment to use the remote service.

One session can be about 15 minutes. You can use Finnish sign language, spoken Finnish or spoken Swedish to access the service.

You need online banking credentials or a mobile ID to log in to the remote service. Use only your own credentials or mobile ID.

The remote service is open from 8.00 to 16.00 on weekdays (Monday to Friday).

What is the remote service for?

You can use the remote service to manage affairs related to the interpreter services. You can, for example,

• book an interpreter, give more information about your booking or cancel a booking
• reply to requests for more information that relate to the interpreter services
• give feedback.

If you have the right to use the interpreter services for persons with disabilities, you can also use the remote service for short interpreting sessions. You can, for example,

• call Kela’s customer service
• call a day care or a school
• book an appointment with a doctor
• handle simple matters with your bank.

You can submit applications in Finnish sign language

You can use the remote service to submit applications related to the interpreter services in Finnish sign language. You can apply for

• the right to use the interpreter services
• additional hours
• interpreter services for students
• the right to interpreter services during foreign travel.

You must book an appointment to submit your application.

Book an appointment in the remote service (in Finnish and Swedish only)

Book an appointment in another way

When is the remote service not available?

The remote service is not intended for interpreting at long meetings or in complicated situations. These situations include:

• meetings with many people present
• situations of crisis
• therapy sessions
• legal matters, such as meetings with the police or a lawyer in a criminal matter or dispute.

If you have several matters to handle at the same time, we recommend booking an interpreter. How to book an interpreter.

What equipment do you need for the remote service?

You need a smartphone, a tablet or a computer to use the remote service. Your device must have

• a microphone
• speakers or headphones
• a camera
• a web browser, such as Safari (iOS) or Google Chrome (version 64 or later)
• a network connection that is fast enough (at least 1,200 kbit/s)

If you do not have a compatible device of your own, you can borrow one from Kela. 

How to use the remote service

1. Once you have opened the remote connection, tell the interpreter your name. If you are using a tablet you have borrowed from Kela, tell the interpreter your remote interpreting ID (etätulkkaustunnus). The ID is personal. This means that you cannot use another person’s ID.
2. Tell the interpreter what type of service you need. Also tell the interpreter if the hearing person is in the same place as you are, such as in a shop or a public agency.
3. If you want to make a call, give the phone number to the interpreter and tell them who you are calling. Please also tell the interpreter what you want to ask. Introduce yourself at the beginning of the phone call that is interpreted and mention that you are calling with the aid of an interpreter.

What to do if something goes wrong?

If you cannot connect to Kela’s remote service, please clear your device’s browsing history and try again.

If that does not help, send an email to Kela’s technical customer support. The address is tekninentuki@kela.fi.