Brussels is Belgium's only officially bilingual region, creating a unique context where both VGT and LSFB sign language interpreters are in demand. TranslateBE provides certified sign language interpreters for public services, employment agencies such as VDAB and FOREM, healthcare settings and professional contexts across the Brussels Capital Region.
Sign language interpreting in Brussels: a bilingual challenge
The Brussels Capital Region's official French-Dutch bilingualism is reflected in its Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Flemish signers living in Brussels typically use VGT, while French-speaking signers use LSFB. Some Brussels Deaf individuals are bilingual in both sign languages, particularly those educated in institutions that straddle the linguistic divide. This reality means that service providers in Brussels must be able to offer interpreters in both VGT and LSFB - and sometimes both within the same event or institution.
Public institutions in Brussels - the Brussels Regional Government, the COCOF, VGC, municipal administrations, CPAS centres and community health services - all have accessibility obligations under Belgian anti-discrimination legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Belgium ratified in 2009. Providing sign language interpreting is not merely good practice; it is a legal requirement in many contexts.
VDAB, FOREM and employment services: sign language access
Employment counselling is one of the most frequent contexts requiring sign language interpreting in Brussels. Both VDAB (the Flemish employment agency) and FOREM (the Walloon employment service) have Brussels-based offices that serve Deaf and hard-of-hearing job-seekers. Career guidance interviews, skills assessments, training enrolment and job placement support all require qualified interpreters to ensure that Deaf clients can participate on an equal footing with hearing clients.
TranslateBE provides VGT interpreters for VDAB Brussels appointments and LSFB interpreters for FOREM Brussels sessions. We also support Deaf clients attending interviews with Brussels Actiris, the regional employment office. Interpreters are briefed on employment and vocational training terminology prior to each assignment.
TranslateBE
Sign language interpreters in Brussels - VGT & LSFB
Certified VGT and LSFB interpreters for VDAB, FOREM, public services and healthcare in Brussels. Accessible and bilingual sign language support.
Accessibility for public services and events in Brussels
Beyond employment services, Brussels public institutions increasingly include sign language interpreting in their accessibility planning. Municipal councils, public hearings, press conferences and civic events that include Deaf participants or aim to reach the Deaf community require professional interpreters who can work in the public eye.
TranslateBE provides sign language interpreters for Brussels City Council sessions, CPAS board meetings open to the public, cultural events at Bozar or the Kaaitheater, and corporate conferences in Brussels that include Deaf delegates. For events lasting more than two hours, we recommend a relay team of two interpreters to ensure sustained quality and prevent cognitive fatigue.
Video remote sign language interpreting (VRI) is also available for Brussels institutions that wish to provide real-time accessibility for online or hybrid events without the cost of on-site deployment. Our VRI interpreters are technically equipped to work with all major videoconferencing platforms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether to request a VGT or LSFB interpreter for a Brussels appointment?
Ask the Deaf person which sign language they use as their primary language. If they are from Flanders or were educated in a Flemish institution, they will typically use VGT. If they are from Wallonia or a French-speaking Brussels background, they will use LSFB. Some Brussels Deaf individuals are comfortable with both - clarify with them directly before booking. TranslateBE can advise if you are unsure.
Can a Brussels commune request a sign language interpreter for a citizen meeting?
Yes. Brussels communes regularly book TranslateBE interpreters for citizen hearings, integration pathways, social welfare interviews and municipal council sessions where Deaf residents participate. We issue invoices directly to the commune and can provide both VGT and LSFB interpreters for the same event if required.
What notice period do you need for a sign language interpreter in Brussels?
We recommend at least 48 hours for most assignments. For complex events, conferences or multi-interpreter bookings, one week's notice is preferred. For urgent situations - such as emergency medical appointments or urgent police interviews - contact us immediately and we will do our best to arrange an interpreter or VRI connection at the shortest notice possible.