Foreword. 5
Summary. 7
List of respondents by country or region. 8
Introduction. 9

Part 1 – Associations. 11

1.1            Establishment of sign language interpreter associations. 12
1.2           National associations. 13
1.3           Names of the associations. 15
1.4           Countries without an independent national interpreter organization. 16
1.5           Membership ratios. 16
1.6           Membership numbers over the years. 18
1.7           Representation. 21
1.8           Deaf interpreters as a member. 23
1.9           Membership requirements. 25
1.10         Membership benefits. 28
1.11          Aims of the association. 30
1.12         Collaboration with the deaf organization. 31
1.13         Funding of the association. 31
1.14         Membership fees. 31
1.15         Associations’ volunteer and paid positions. 34
1.15         Other types of membership. 34
1.16         Main issues the associations are facing. 35

Part 2 – Quality assurance. 39

2.1           Quality assurance. 40
2.2          Definition in national legislation. 42
2.3          Regulation of the sign language interpreter profession. 45
2.4          Registry of interpreters. 46
2.4          Complaints’ procedure. 52

Part 3 – Deaf Interpreters. 59

3.1           Deaf interpreters – terminology. 60
3.2          Deaf interpreter developments. 60
3.3          Hearing interpreters supporting deaf interpreter developments. 64
3.4          Deaf interpreters in official standards. 67
3.5          Measures to strengthen deaf interpreters’ position. 69
3.6          Work and employment of deaf interpreters. 72
3.7          Training and education of deaf interpreters. 81
3.8          Current main barriers and future steps. 88

Part 4 – Training & Education. 89

4.1           Educational Programs. 90
4.2          Countries and regions without a program.. 92
4.3          Past and new programs. 94
4.4          Prerequisites to attend the program.. 107
4.5          Interpreting for deafblind persons. 112
4.6          Interpreter training in specific topics. 113
4.7          Interpreting degree as a prerequisite to work. 115
4.8          Continuing education. 116
4.9          Interpreter specializations. 118
4.10        Mentoring. 120

Part 5 – Employment. 123

5.1           Interpreters currently working. 124
5.2          Part-time versus full-time. 128
5.3          Interpreting for deafblind persons. 129
5.4          Lack of interpreters. 131
5.5          Number of working interpreters: 2001 - 2025. 132
5.6          Number of deaf signers. 133
5.7          Deaf signers per interpreter 134
5.8          The right to an interpreter 138
5.9          Requesting interpreting services. 144
5.10        Party responsible for the payment of interpreting services. 147
5.11         Recognition of sign language. 153
5.12        Forms of employment. 154
5.13        Onsite and remote interpreting. 156
5.14        Freelance interpreting fees. 157
5.15        Payment for specific settings or competencies. 162
5.16        Interpreting for deafblind persons. 164
5.17         Reasonable pay. 168
5.18        Interpreting as a main occupation. 170
5.19        Budget limitations. 171
5.20       Working in paid employment. 172
5.21        Development of the profession. 172
5.22       Working conditions – development 172
5.23       Impact of the Covid19 pandemic on the profession. 175
5.24       Impact of AI on the profession. 177
5.25       Main professional opportunities and challenges in 2025. 179

Appendices. 185

Appendix 1 – Survey sign language interpreting in Europe. 186
Appendix 2 – Overview of facts by country. 199
Appendix 3 – Overview of all tables and figures. 213