FAQ
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What is a sign language interpreter?
A sign language interpreter is a professional who facilitates communication between hearing and d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind participants. There are situations that require the use of both a sign language interpreter and a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). CDI’s are used in situations where there are additional language needs of the d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and/or DeafBlind participants and d/Deaf interpreters are more equipped to handle those situations because ASL is their native language.
Why do I need to provide a sign language interpreter?
According to the ADA, businesses and nonprofit organizations are required to provide effective communication access to d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind participants. For more detailed information visit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III.
Who pays for the interpreter?
According to the ADA, Title III, businesses and nonprofit organizations are required by law to provide equal access to communication. Therefore the responsibility falls upon the hiring entity and not the d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and/or DeafBlind participant.
Why do I need to hire two interpreters?
Interpreters who work alone for more than one consistent hour are prone to fatigue and start to lose information every 15 minutes. Therefore, based on our industry standards, any interpreting assignment that will require over one hour of continuous interpreting will require a team of interpreters. There are, however, some instances where a job may be less than one hour and still require a team depending on the intensity and complexity of the assignment. The interpreter team is also there to preserve the meaning of the message, provide feedback, missed information, and to provide support in stressful settings.
Why is there a two-hour minimum if the appointment is only fifteen minutes?
A two-hour minimum is the standard practice when working with sign language interpreters in the United States. This is a benefit to the participants involved as many appointments don’t always start or end on time. The two-hour minimum guarantees the interpreter will be present for the entirety of the appointment.
Are your interpreters certified?
Yes, our team of sign language interpreters adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and maintain state certification and licensure.
What type of sign language interpreting do you provide?
We provide American Sign Language (ASL), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Signed Exact English (SEE), Tracking, Tactile, Low Vision, and other Unique Language Systems (ULS).
Are interpreters available after business hours?
We make every effort to fill all requests received, however, it is highly dependent upon interpreter availability. Therefore, we may not be able to cover every request.