CAREERS WITH SIS

Sign language interpreting is an effective means of providing access to your business or organization services, events and information. Providing a sign language interpreter saves time, and reduces confusion, liability, and frustration for all parties involved. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) says that a variety of public and private services as well as employers must be accessible to all people, regardless of their disability. When an employer, service provider, government agency or private business is dealing with people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind, communication with them must be accessible. The best way to ensure quality communication with these individuals is to utilize a professional Interpreter. A sign language interpreter should be used whenever you want to accurately and efficiently convey information. Examples might be official meetings, social events, disciplinary proceedings, telephone conferences, medical appointments, legal proceedings, and meetings open to the public. Utilizing an interpreter ensures that impartiality and confidentiality while the information is being conveyed. Impartiality and confidentiality allows all parties to participate equally by using their own native language.

Sign language interpreting is physically and mentally fatiguing for both the interpreter and the client receiver or recipients. Plan for breaks appropriately. Interpreting is a very taxing activity, both mentally and physically. Research has shown that an interpreter's ability to process the message and interpret it accurately diminishes after approximately twenty minutes of interpreting. Effectiveness can be impacted by the content of information as well. Sign language interpreters have a high rate of repetitive motion. Injuries can result from overuse of the hands. Therefore, when an assignment is over one hour of continuous interpreting, a team of two interpreters will be scheduled. Two interpreters will work as a team; one actively interpreting while the other supports. They will switch roles approximately every 20 minutes to ensure that the message is interpreted accurately for the full length of the assignment. This also gives a break in the effort. A team of interpreters may also be assigned based on specific needs of an assignment (highly technical or complex subject matter, providing voice interpreting for a deaf presenter using ASL, deaf-blind tactile interpreting, etc.)

An interpreter will interpret EVERYTHING said. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider when working with an interpreter. 1. Avoid discussing subjects you don’t wish the other person to know. 2. Don’t ask the interpreter to omit anything you say. 3. Don’t say something like "Don’t interpret this," because that is exactly what will be interpreted! 4. Don’t ask the interpreter to interject personal opinions or conjecture. 5. Don’t give messages to the interpreter to give to a person not present for later relay to the individual. 6. Do ask for clarification if you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation. 7. Do recognize that all information discussed is kept confidential.

Here are a few simple tips for you to consider when using a sign language interpreter. Always look at the person when speaking to them through an interpreter. Also look at the person who is signing to you. This may feel awkward at first since the spoken or signed words are coming through your interpreter, but the d/Deaf individual you are interacting with will notice and appreciate the effort. Address the deaf person directly. It would be appropriate to say "Where were you born?" You should not say "Ask him where he was born." When possible, please share notes, outlines, or handouts with the interpreter in advance. Interpreters may be coming into your situation with little or no knowledge about what you want to share, your business, and background information will help facilitate more accurate communication. If, during the assignment, you plan to turn down the lights for any reason, remember to leave enough lighting on the interpreter so the audience can see them. This may require some kind of auxiliary lighting for the interpreter's position. It is usually best if the d/Deaf consumer can see the speaker and the interpreter in the same sight line without obstructions. Speak at your normal rate of speed. The interpreter will indicate if you need to slow down. Sometimes people read aloud at a faster pace than they typically sign or speak. When reading a large amount from written materials, consider providing a copy to the deaf audience members and the interpreter in advance. Remember and be mindful that the interpreter will interpret EVERYTHING said. Avoid discussing subjects you do not want to be public or communicated to your audience.

Sign language interpreting is a complex process requiring more than just basic knowledge of sign language and techniques. The process of translating a message from one language to another requires considerable proficiency in both languages, as well as knowing principles of interpreting accurately. In addition, the physical skills and duration may be well beyond the capabilities of most people who know sign language. Professional Interpreters hold certification from national certifying organizations and carry professional liability insurance. In the case someone who knows sign language at your facility, there is no guarantee of quality, accuracy, or confidentiality of information communicated. These are some of the reasons why hiring a professional sign language interpreter may be in your best interest and in the best interest of the audiences you are trying to serve.

The person responsible for contracts/vendors and invoicing should contact our office and make a request: requests@signinterpreting.org or 484-246-6641, option 2. Our team will email our Rates and Terms for you to review, complete, sign, and return. Paperwork must be completed and returned before an interpreter can be confirmed.

When you need an interpreter, there are 3 ways you can request: Call us at 484-246-6641. Please note that a staff member will follow up via email to confirm the request in writing Email us your request at requests@signinterpreting.org Complete our interpreter request form.

Date of appointment/meeting/class Start time and End time. How long do you want to secure the interpreter(s)? Nature of the engagement; please be as specific as possible Name(s) of the deaf individual(s) If the request is for a meeting, who else will be in the meeting; names and roles as they relate to the deaf indiviidual.

Sign language is not universal. American Sign Language (ASL) is the most common form of sign language used in the United States. Like accents in spoken language, regional variations also exist in ASL. In addition, there are several other sign systems that have been developed which follow a more English word order. Some of these sign methods are (or have been) called Manually Coded English (MCE), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), and Signed Exact English (SEE). A DeafBlind individual may need a tactile interpreter(s). If possible, please ask your Deaf client what mode of interpreting they prefer and include this information in your interpreter request. If you are unsure about the required services, feel free to contact us. We are here to help!

There is never too much notice! Demand often exceeds the supply of interpreters. Two weeks notice is preferred, but SIS will attempt to accommodate all requests, regardless of lead-time, even last minute requests.

If there is a schedule change, please email us at requests@signinterpreting.org or call us at 484-246-6641. Be sure to review our cancellation policy, as cancellations within 48 business hours are typically billable.