Some things to know when hiring an interpreter
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its regulations, government entities, most private employers, and places of public accommodations are required to provide qualified sign language interpreters or auxiliary aids as a means of ensuring effective communication. For more information on effective communication please
click here. Deaf individuals are to inform you when they need an accommodation and what their preferred mode of communication is for that accommodation. The entity that is providing a service to the deaf individual is responsible for paying for the interpreter(s) not the deaf individual requesting one. Using a family member or someone else who says they know sign language is not acceptable. An interpreter is to be hired from a reputable interpreter agency which follows RID guidelines and code of ethics.
All sign language interpreter assignments requested are a two hour minimum. Assignments exceeding two hours will require two interpreters. Due to the nature of some assignments two interpreters may also be required. Your agency will be billed for the services of both interpreters for the entire length of the assignment as well as mileage and reimbursable expenses such as parking, tolls, etc. Under some circumstances involving consumers with minimal communication skills, the assignment may require the use of a second person functioning as a relay interpreter. If that occurs, your agency will be charged for both interpreters. It is preferable that an interpreter be requested at least two weeks in advance of when needed to ensure availability. Any changes made to the original request is to be done 48 hours prior to the request. Cancellations are to be made 48 hours prior to appointment as well to avoid charges.
Tax Credit for Providing Sign Language Interpreters
Many businesses can receive a tax credit when they provide sign language accommodations to be in compliance with the ADA. For more information on tax credits please
click here.
Tips When Working With a Sign Language Interpreter
After hiring the sign language interpreter, we highly recommend reviewing our 10 tips when working with a sign language Interpreter by
clicking here. This will help everyone's experience go much more smoothly.