Working with an Interpreter | Request Interpreter | Communication Tips
Sign Language interpreting makes communication possible between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear. Interpreting is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). Sign Language interpreting, like spoken language interpreting, involves more than simply replacing a word of spoken English with a signed representation of that English word.
An interpreter's work begins before arriving at the job site. The interpreter must be familiar with the subject matter that the speakers will discuss; a task that may involve research on topic-related words and phrases that may be used from both languages.
When a deaf or hard of hearing individual expresses the need for a sign language interpreter, it is the responsibility of the entity providing services, employment, or entertainment to accommodate that request. Quality of interpreting service is determined by all parties involved. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, payment for interpreting services usually falls to the host business or organization rather than the deaf person.
- The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf - Standard Practice Paper - Professional Sign Language Interpreting rev. 2007