1. DO INTERPRETERS NEED TO BE PROVIDED?
More times than not, the answer is yes.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires both public and private agencies as well as employers to be accessible to all. Oftentimes, for deaf/hard of hearing people, the simplest and best way to do this is by providing quality licensed and certified interpreters.
2. WHY ARE THERE TWO INTERPRETERS?
For assignments 2+ hours and some shorter but information dense assignments, a team of two interpreters is a necessity. This team will relieve each other throughout the assignment, preventing mental and physical fatigue. If 1 interpreter were to be scheduled for these assignments, such fatigue could lead to lost and misunderstood information being communicated. Such practices would also put the interpreter at risk of straining themselves enough to develop any number or Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs).
3. WHO PAYS FOR THE INTERPRETING SERVICES?
The company or organization responsible for the event is also responsible for payment due. This includes but is not limited to:
Doctor's office visits
Business meetings/trainings
Classes
Conferences
Events open to the public (ie. concerts, local fairs, theatre, charity events)
Vocational training
4. CAN I USE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS SIGN LANGUAGE INSTEAD?
Using anyone other than a qualified interpreter puts everyone at risk of misinformation and confusion as there is NO GUARANTEE the information being conveyed is accurate. In most instances, this is a liability for your company. Putting a family member, friend, or colleague in the position of "interpreting" for a deaf individual may not only make for an uncomfortable environment, but may also end in your message purposefully not forwarded to its intended recipient. Every deaf and hard of hearing person has the right to quality services, which also ensures confidentiality.
5. WRITING BACK AND FORTH, LIP READING, AND THE USE OF CAPTIONS ARE ENOUGH RIGHT?
While all have their place, none are all-inclusive.
Writing back and forth for a brief interaction and using captions for videos may be adequate, however, please know that English is oftentimes not the first language of deaf and hard of hearing people. Due to this, important information presented in the form of text may not be understood.
Regarding lipreading, this is a skill that is hard to master. Research has shown that even the best lipreaders tend to only "get" 33% of what is being said. This percentage decreases with added obstacles such as mustaches, gum, and accents.
To provide the most complete and reasonable accommodation, the use of Sign Language/Oral Interpreters is best (and most times required under the ADA).
6. HOW CAN I LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE OR BECOME A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER?
If your desire is to learn the language WITHOUT becoming an interpreter, locally you can contact Sign 'n' Tell, LLC. They are licensed & certified Signing Time! Instructors providing classes for adults, children, educators, and more.
Otherwise, it is easiest to search on-line for classes in your area. Many community colleges offer continuing education classes for conversation level, and some even have more advanced classes available. For a short list to help get you started, click here.
7. WHAT IS A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?
A qualified interpreter not only possesses the education, certification, and licensure needed to facilitate effective communication, but also abides by the Code of Professional Conduct (previously named Code Of Ethics) and any skill level standards mandated by the entity overseeing their certification/licensure. Additionally, truly qualified interpreters know even though they may be qualified on paper, that does not equate being skilled in all interpreting situations.
8. IS SIGN LANGUAGE UNIVERSAL?
Simply put, no.
Just as spoken languages are not universal, neither are signed languages. Although there is an International Sign Language (Gestuno), it is not widely known or used.
9. AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ENGLISH RIGHT?
Absolutely not.
ASL has its own grammar, syntax, rules, etc and is recognized as a foreign language. There are, however, many coded English signed languages like Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), and Signed Exact English (SEE).
10. IS USING VIDEO RELAY SERVICES TO CONDUCT MY MEETINGS APPROPRIATE?
Not only is it not appropriate, it is illegal according to FCC regulations. Video Relay Services (VRS) are for communication between parties in different locations. For example, a conference call would be the perfect time to use such services.
11. WE ARE IN SUCH A REMOTE/RURAL AREA THAT WE CAN NEVER FIND AN INTERPRETER. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
You have a few options.
As stated above, for some things you can use VRS. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is another option for parties in the same location. Both services require a Video Phone (VP).
If you do not have the system requirements for a VP, revert back to an on-site interpreter. Trying to have consistency by using the same interpreter is always ideal, though not always feasible. The more notice given to the agency, the more able we are to assign an interpreter and work out any kinks with travel, mileage, etc.
12. "ARE YOU THE SIGNER/TRANSLATOR?" - "HERE IS OUR REQUEST FOR AN INTERRUPTER/INTERPRETATOR."
Our job title is Interpreter.
There is a distinct difference between a "signer" and an "interpreter." Anyone knowing any form of sign language is considered a signer. However, to be an Interpreter, one needs a specific skill set and training to take one language in and put another language out, both in proper form.
"Interrupter" - well this is the most common misspelling, if you will, of what we do. It makes us chuckle every time.
"Interpretator" - Didn't one of our Presidents make this up?
13. HOW DO I REQUEST SERVICES?
Use our contact information provided at the bottom of every page of this site! To expedite your request, we suggest emailing us with the following information:
Name of all deaf/hard of hearing clients
Language mode of client(s) if known
Date, Start/End time, and nature of assignment
Location address
On-site Point Of Contact (POC) information
IF WE HAVE NOT ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION, PLEASE CONTACT US!
ShowOfHandsInterpreting@yahoo.com
PO Box 892 Florissant MO 63032 314.393.4922 (voice/text)
Show Of Hands, LLC 2007-2010
