How to book an interpreter
You can book an interpreter
- online (in Finnish and Swedish only)
- by text message
- by phone
- by e-mail
- via the remote service
- by mail
Please note: We recommend that you use the online form because it is the best option in terms of data security.
State the following in your booking:
- your name, date of birth and customer number
- the reason for needing an interpreter (e.g. a meeting or a visit to the doctor)
- date on which you need an interpreter
- the start and end times for interpretation
- whether you need on-site or remote interpretation
- If you wish to book on-site interpretation, also provide the following information:
- address and municipality where the interpretation is to take place
- place for meeting the interpreter
Also provide the following information, if relevant:
- what kind of interpretation you need (e.g. speech-to-text)
- what software you wish to use for remote interpretation Check the list of software which Kela has approved as secure.
- if there are others present who use interpreter service
- what is your role (e.g. will you make a speech or presentation)
- will some foreign language(s) be used at the event (e.g. English)
- where can the interpreter find advance background material for the assignment
The Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled may ask you for further information if necessary.
Book an interpreter via the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled.
Changing or cancelling a booking
If you need to change your booking, notify the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled as soon as possible (for instance changes in time, date, topic or meeting place).
Cancel the booking if you no longer need interpreter service. Then the interpreter can be assigned to another customer.
Hours of interpreter service that have not been cancelled are deducted from the hours awarded to you.
How to book an interpreter for someone else
If you cannot yourself book an interpreter, someone else can do it on your behalf. For instance an assistant, someone from the home help service or your employer can book an interpreter on your behalf.
Before someone else can book an interpreter on your behalf, the person needs an authorisation from you. Authorisation can be given through a written power of attorney or verbally. However, verbal authorisation can only be given for one booking at a time. If you cannot give an authorisation and you have not been assigned a legal guardian, your close family member or someone else who looks after your interests and whom Kela has approved can book an interpreter for you.
If no interpreter is available
If no interpreter is available, the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled will contact you. The Centre will continue to look for an interpreter for you. You may also be asked if you wish to re-schedule your booking.
Messages related to the booking
You will receive messages related to your booking as the process moves forward. Indicate on the customer information form whether you wish to receive text messages or email. If you indicate someone else as the recipient of the messages, the messages will be sent to this person.
Receipt message
You will receive a message when your booking has been received and entered into the assignment management system.
Confirmation message
You will receive a confirmation message once an interpreter has been assigned to your booking.
Informing about the name of the interpreter
You will receive information about the name of the interpreter on the day before the assignment at 4pm.
If no interpreter is available
If no interpreter is available for the booking, you will receive a message concerning this.
Message about receipt of cancellation
If you no longer need an interpreter, please cancel your booking. You will receive a message when your cancellation has been received.