You have the right to clear two-way communication. Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS) can provide you with quality OIS-registered interpreters in a variety of life settings including: medical, mental health, social services, employment, educational, legal, government services, personal business, and after-hour emergencies. Interpreters provide communication in both American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English. Services in Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)/French are available in some areas.   

Day Service

A local service offered in most regions and providing ASL interpretation services for all situations, such as:

• Medical
• Employment
• Social Services
• Personal Business
• Legal

After-Hours Emergency Interpreting Service

A province-wide service for sudden situations where a person needs an interpreter for a medical or mental health emergency between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 24 hours/day on weekends and holidays.  For example:

• Hospital emergency departments 
• After-hours medical clinics
• Crisis centres
• Shelters

To book an interpreter for an emergency call:

• TTY: 1-866-831-4657
• Phone: 1-866-256-5142 
• E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you are experiencing a medical emergency right now, do not wait.  Call 911 or go to the hospital.  When you arrive ask the staff to get an interpreter for you.