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Quick guide to interpretet service for the disabled
Kela arranges interpreter service for the disabled. The quick guide gives an overview of the service.
Topics
For whom and for what purpose
Kela arranges interpreter service for the disabled
The service is intended for disabled persons who live in Finland. The service is free of charge. The service can be used for work, studies, personal matters and hobbies.
You can be granted interpreter service if you have a hearing impairment, vision and hearing impairment or speech impairment
You must have a functioning communication method that you are using.
Interpreter service available from other sources
Other authorities are in certain situations liable to arrange interpreter service for disabled persons. If you need interpreter service for instance for basic education, you should apply for this from the municipality.
Apply for the right to interpreter service
Apply for the right to interpreter service
Complete the application and the customer registration form carefully. Please include an expert opinion.
Kela grants a certain number of hours of interpreter service per year
Kela grants a certain number of hours of interpreter service per year.
On the basis of a hearing impairment or a speech impairment you can be granted at least 180 hours of interpreter service per year and on the basis of a vision and hearing impairment at least 360 hours.
You also have a say in who will be your interpreter
If you start using a personal interpreter list, you can suggest interpreters for the list. Indicate on the customer registration form whether you wish to use an interpreter list.
Do you need an interpreter for your studies?
First apply for the right to interpreter service for the disabled and then for the right to student interpreter service.
Do you need interpreter service for a longer travel abroad?
First apply for the right to interpreter service for the disabled and then for the right to interpreter service for travel abroad. For short cruises you do not have to apply separately for the right to interpreter service.
When necessary, apply for additional hours of interpreter service
If the number of hours of interpreter service is not sufficient, you can apply for additional hours of interpreter service.
Introduction
Kela arranges introduction to the use of the interpreter service
If you are a new customer, we will contact you to agree on the time and place for the introduction. The introduction will be given by an interpreter.
Introduction
You can ask for introduction even if you have already used the interpreter service.
Book an interpreter
Book an interpreter via the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled
Book an interpreter as soon as you know that you need an interpreter.
Book interpreter service for studies
Student interpreter service is booked one year at a time.
Book an interpreter for travel abroad
You can book an interpreter well in advance of your travel when you have been granted the right to interpreter service for travel abroad.
Kela allocates an interpreter to your booking
You may be asked for further details so that your booking can be allocated appropriately.
Read moreReport changes
Do you want to change or cancel a booking?
Inform the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled in time if you want to change or cancel a booking.
Changes to the customer data
Always inform the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled if for instance your contact details or your communication methods change.
Read more