Sign-language interpretation
We add sign-language interpretation for important video and audio content: for Deaf people whose first language is sign, not written. So that content is truly accessible to those for whom captions are not enough. Honestly upfront: this is a niche and not cheap service — qualified sign-language interpreters are needed (live human work, auto is impossible here), and sign languages are DIFFERENT in different countries (Russian Sign Language ≠ American ASL) — one interpretation does not suit everyone.
Sign-language interpretation — overview
Sign-language interpretation is adding a sign-language translation track to a video (or recording): a qualified sign-language interpreter conveys the content in signs, the video is embedded in the player/page. Honestly about the need, this matters: for some Deaf people sign language is their NATIVE language, and written is their second; for them captions (811) are less clear than sign translation. So sign interpretation is not a duplicate of captions, but a separate need of a separate group. Honestly about the language, this is key: sign languages differ between countries (Russian Sign Language, American ASL, British BSL, etc.) — it is NOT a universal language. Translation into one sign language does not suit speakers of another; each needs its own interpreter. Honestly about implementation: this is LIVE human work by a qualified sign-language interpreter — it is not yet done well automatically (by an avatar/AI), and passing off an auto-avatar as full sign interpretation is dishonest. Honestly about volume: the price depends on duration and the number of clips, each language is separate. Honestly about 'do you need this': it is appropriate for key content and with a real audience/requirements; for a small site without such an audience quality captions (811) are often enough — we will say honestly if that is the case. Honestly about the effect: real accessibility for sign-language users; we do not guarantee direct sales growth. Honestly about access: source videos and the choice of sign language are needed. An important boundary: this is sign interpretation; captions are 811, audio description for blind users is 814. Picture this: instead of 'for a Deaf person thinking in sign, content is still hard' — translation into their native language. The base price starts from 30,000 ₽ (depends on duration and language; each language separate).
Problems we solve
- For Deaf people whose native language is sign, captions are not enough.
- Key video content is inaccessible to a sign-language audience.
- No understanding that sign languages differ by country.
- An auto-avatar is passed off as full sign interpretation.
What's included in the Sign-language interpretation service
- Sign interpretation by a qualified interpreter (live work)
- Choice of the needed sign language (for your audience)
- Recording and embedding the interpretation video track
- An honest assessment of whether sign interpretation is needed or captions are enough
- Indicating boundaries (languages differ; auto-avatar ≠ full)
- A link with captions (811) for full coverage
- Checking with native users where possible
- Handover and review with you
What you get
- Content is accessible to Deaf users in their native sign language
- A need that captions do not cover is closed
- The translation is made for the needed country's sign language
- Real accessibility (for a small site — we assess whether it is needed)
How the work goes: steps
- We clarify content, audience and sign language; estimate by duration
- We engage a qualified interpreter, record and embed
- We check (with native users where possible), honestly discuss the need
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Aren't captions enough?
For some Deaf people — no. For those whose NATIVE language is sign and written is second, captions are less clear than sign translation. These are different needs: captions (811) and sign interpretation complement each other. We will honestly assess your audience: sometimes quality captions are enough, sometimes sign interpretation is exactly what is needed.
Can sign translation be done automatically (by an avatar)?
Well — not yet, and passing off an AI avatar as full sign interpretation is dishonest: sign language is rich in facial expression and grammar that automation does not convey. This is live work by a qualified interpreter. So the service is not cheap and depends on duration.
Will one translation suit all Deaf people?
No. Sign languages differ between countries: Russian Sign Language, American ASL, British BSL — it is not one universal language. Translation into one does not suit speakers of another. Each audience needs its own interpreter; we will honestly say which language you need.
About the provider
The «Sign-language interpretation» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Site quality». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.