Sign language interpreting services for Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing donors

Canadian Blood Services welcomes and encourages people who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing to join Canada’s Lifeline and become regular blood and plasma donors. If you require assistance from a sign language interpreter, we can arrange for a qualified interpreter to accompany you through the donation process.

We ask that you make the request at least three weeks in advance of your appointment. To book an appointment and request an interpreter, contact us through our live chat feature on blood.ca or toll free at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) using a message relay service or video relay service.

You can also browse our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive around accessibility from Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing donors. If you have further questions, please email us at feedback@blood.ca.

Thank you for being part of Canada’s Lifeline.

Can I book an appointment and request an interpreter online or through the Give Blood app?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to arrange for an interpreter when booking online or using the Give Blood app at this time.

But you can contact us through our live chat feature on blood.ca or call us toll free at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) using a message relay service or video relay service to book an appointment and request an interpreter.

Can I bring my own interpreter or use lip reading throughout the donation process?

Lip reading cannot be accepted for the screening process. The Canadian Hearing Services has advised us that lip reading poses a higher potential for miscommunication.

If assistance from a sign language interpreter is needed during the screening process, the interpreter must be certified in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ), and a current member of the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

Our screening process is confidential. Due to Health Canada regulations, only certified interpreters and Canadian Blood Services screeners are permitted in our screening booths with donors. Learn more about what you can expect during screening here.

Volunteer interpreters can join you throughout the rest of the donation process.

My friend/parent/sibling/co-worker is certified in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ). Do they qualify?

The screening process is confidential. We do not allow friends, family or acquaintances to accompany donors through the screening process.

If you require assistance from a sign language interpreter at any point in the screening process, we can arrange for a qualified interpreter to accompany you. Please provide a minimum of three weeks’ notice for us to process your request.

You can contact us through our live chat feature on blood.ca or toll free at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) using a message relay service or video relay service to book an appointment and request an interpreter.

Volunteer interpreters — including friends, family or acquaintances — may accompany you throughout the rest of the donation process.

Is there a cost for requesting a sign language interpreter?

No, there is no cost to you.

Why do I have to book three weeks in advance?

We require advance notice of three weeks in order to arrange for a qualified interpreter for your preferred appointment time.

What does the rest of the donation process look like?

You can learn more about the donation process and what to expect on the day of your donation by clicking here.