site.btaBGN 3 Mln Invested in National Digital Platform for Sign Language Interpretation

Bulgaria is investing BGN 3 million in the creation of a national digital platform that will provide real-time interpreting services in Bulgarian Sign Language, said Deputy Labour and Social Policy Minister Rumyana Petkova, as quoted by her Ministry on Friday. She was speaking at the opening of the Second European Deaf Interpreting Symposium, held at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.

According to Petkova, the investment is a clear expression of the Ministry's commitment to ensuring equality for deaf and deafblind citizens. 

The national digital platform is being developed under the Human Resources Development Programme 2021–2027, implemented by the Labour and Social Policy Ministry. The project includes the creation of a mobile and web-based application that will enable real-time interpreting services to and from Bulgarian Sign Language. The new service is expected to improve nationwide access to interpreters, enhance service quality, and ensure timely support for persons with sensory disabilities.

Petkova said the platform will also contribute to creating better conditions for the engagement of interpreters and will guarantee easier access to necessary services.

Interpreting services in Bulgarian Sign Language are funded by the state budget. The Bulgarian Sign Language Act, in force since 2021, guarantees the right of deaf and deafblind persons to free interpreting services, up to 120 hours per year, with an additional 60 hours per semester for students and PhD candidates.

Services are delivered by certified interpreters registered with the Agency for People with Disabilities, and their remuneration is fixed at 5% of the national minimum wage.