The After-Hours Emergency Interpreting Service 

The After-Hours Emergency Interpreting Service is a sign language interpreting service for health or mental health emergencies.

The service is available in Ontario from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weeknights and 24 hours/day on weekends and holidays.

The After-Hours call centre will accept calls for interpreters until 8:15 a.m.

How do I request an interpreter?

Call one of the toll-free numbers from anywhere in Ontario to reach our call centre:

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

If you are having a serious medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.  Once you are in the hospital, ask the hospital staff to phone the call centre to request an interpreter. 

Who can use this service or request an interpreter? 

Anyone who needs a sign language interpreter to communicate clearly in a health or mental health emergency can use the service.  This includes:

• Hospitals and walk-in clinic emergency personnel
• Children's Aid Societies staff
• Mental health clinic/shelter staff
• Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people
• Friends or family members

What is a health or mental health emergency?

A sudden situation where a person needs professional medical or mental health help is an emergency.  Interpreters will provide service to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people in:

• Emergency departments in hospitals
• After-hours walk-in clinics 
• Mental health clinics
• Shelters
• Drug/alcohol detoxification centres
• Dental emergencies
• In-home services

Interpreters will also be provided if there is an urgent situation involving Children's Aid Societies.

Who pays for the service?

Hospitals and Children's Aid Societies are obligated by law to pay for the cost of interpreting services.

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides funding to cover the cost of interpreting services in smaller community agencies.

There is no cost to the deaf, deafened or hard of hearing person.

 OIS After-Hours Emergency Fridge Magnet 

 OIS After-Hours Emergency Keychain 

 After-Hours Fall 2009 Newsletter