Working with an Interpreter | Request Interpreter | Communication Tips
Q: Who should make an interpreter request?
A: Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing and hearing individuals and groups such
as agencies, organizations, schools, employers, and businesses are all customers
of interpreter services.
Q: What should I tell the Interpreter Referral Services (DHIS, Inc.)?
1) Your name, telephone number, organization, and the contact person at the assignment.
2) Date and time that you will need an interpreter and length of assignment.
3) Address of the assignment including specifics: the name of the building, court or clinic, what floor, room number, etc. The more details, the better for the interpreter to arrive few minutes before the assignment begins.
4) The nature and format of the meeting (i.e. medical appointment, platform lecture, staff meeting, civil or criminal court case).
5) Names and numbers of Deaf participants and their preferred mode of communication (i.e. American Sign Language, Signed English).
6) Payment information: the name, address, and telephone number of the person who will be paying for the interpreter services.
Please call in your request as early as possible, because free lance interpreters often fill their schedules weeks in advance.