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The National Institute for Rehabilitation celebrates the Day of the Interpreter of Portuguese Sign Language (LGP), on January 22. The date of this commemoration refers to January 22, 1991, for the foundation, in Lisbon, of the first Association of Portuguese Sign Language Interpreters (AILGP).

Under Law No 89/99 of 5 July 1999, PML interpreters are ‘professionals who interpret and translate information from sign language into oral or written language and vice versa, in order to ensure communication between deaf and hearing persons’. However, being an LGP Interpreter is much more: is to be the bridge of communication between deaf and hearing people, is to be a voice, is to provide accessibility, autonomy and, above all, is to contribute to the inclusion of the Deaf Community in all contexts of life, such as education, health and leisure.

The regulation of the profession of Portuguese Sign Language Interpreter is provided for in the 2021 State Budget (Article 57), to be held during the first quarter, which will contribute to more and better access to information and services. It also aims to contribute to better access to public services for people with disabilities, through the creation of a grant of Portuguese Sign Language Interpreters per district (Article 355) and measures such as subtitling for deaf people and the provision of inclusive masks.

The Higher Technicians/Portuguese Sign Language Interpreters of the INR mark this date, Interpreting in Portuguese Sign Language this news and thanking all those who collaborate with them, in the various contexts, in ensuring accessibility for deaf people.

Congratulations to all Portuguese Sign Language Interpreters and to all those who work daily and are dedicated to the accessibility of information for deaf people.

See here more information about the profession of Portuguese Sign Language Interpreter and the measures taken in times of pandemic, produced by the National and Professional Association of Interpretation - Sign Language (ANAPI-LG), on historical aspects of this profession and, by the Deafblind Department of the Association of the Deaf of Porto, on hygiene and safety to combat the pandemic.