Frequently Asked Questions

Who must provide an Interpreter?

Is it okay if I ask the Deaf person to bring a friend or family member who can interpet for them?

Can anyone who knows sign language interpret?

Federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) generally requires an interpreter to be provided when it is.....Click to read more.

Can anyone who knows sign language interpret?

Is it okay if I ask the Deaf person to bring a friend or family member who can interpet for them?

Can anyone who knows sign language interpret?

Federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) generally requires an interpreter to be provided when it is.....Click to read more.

Is it okay if I ask the Deaf person to bring a friend or family member who can interpet for them?

It is common for Deaf folks to have family members or friends interpret for them in casual settings. However using family/friends in formal situations is not advised. For example, most untrained interpreters don’t have enough interpreting knowledge to be able to move smoothly between the source and target language. Confidentiality may also be an issue. With friends or family members in the room, Deaf folks may be unwilling to volunteer sensitive information. It may also be difficult for friends or family members to interpret what is being said. Often, they will unconsciously screen what they hear and give a summarized interpretation to the other party. This decreases the accuracy of the interpretation and may also serve to weaken the client-Professional relationship. As the person who is hiring the interpeter, if you are using a volunteer, then you have no way to guarantee the quality of the interpretation since you cannot ask to see credentials.

We want to use an interpreter but they are very expensive! How can I get the most for my money?

Is it okay if I ask the Deaf person to bring a friend or family member who can interpet for them?

We can help!! we would be happy to discuss with you, at no charge, several ways to make sure you are not paying for extras that you do not need. We understand that interpreting services are expensive and we have several tools and sugestions to help.

Industry Standards. What should I expect regarding pricing?

We want to use an interpreter but they are very expensive! How can I get the most for my money?

Industry Standards. What should I expect regarding pricing?

Interpreters are expected to support industry standards set by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. For more information, click here......

Cancellations

We want to use an interpreter but they are very expensive! How can I get the most for my money?

Industry Standards. What should I expect regarding pricing?

If an interpreting appointment is cancelled on an untimely basis (less than 24 business hours) the interpreter loses the opportunity to make up that revenue elsewhere. This is the reason why interpreters charge for untimely cancellations – They have turned down other assignments to make themselves available for your specific appointment.