Hiring interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind - Deaf-Blindness

American Rehabilitation, Summer, 1995 by Kathryn L. Raistrick

Who pays for interpreters? In sync with ADA's intent to make programs and services accessible, the service provider is generally the party responsible for paying the interpreter costs, the amount of which should be agreed upon in advance. What the interpreter charges depends on his/her certification and experience and the going rate. Fees can range from $20 to $50 per hour.

Some interpreters have specialized training, such as in interpreting for persons who are deaf-blind and in interpreting in legal and medical situations, and may thus require higher fees. Interpreters may also have a have a 2-or 3-hour service minimum.

In addition, some interpreters charge for mileage to and from the job and most will charge for cancellations within a day or two of the appointment.

In order to get to know the consumer, to be comfortable with the mode of communication used, and to adjust to light and proximity, it is necessary for the interpreter to arrive at the assignment at least 30 minutes early (as should the consumer). The professional will need to arrange and pay for this time.

How many interpreters are needed? Interpreting for persons who are deaf-blind, especially if it involves tactile sign language or fingerspelling, is especially fatiguing. If the interpreting will require more than 45 minutes, it may be necessary to hire two interpreters. If the situation demands continuous interpreting for an extended period of time, interpreters need to change every 20 minutes to lessen fatigue. The method of communication used with the individual also determines when interpreters need to change. There should be at least two interpreters if the assignment will take more than a half hour for tactile interpreting or one hour for less strenuous interpreting.

What the interpreter Needs to

Know in Advance

In hiring an interpreter, the rehabilitation professional needs to provide him/her as much information as possible. The following are some of the items which would help the interpreter prepare for the assignment:

Mode of communication. The interpreter must be informed, in as much detail as possible, about the language or type of communication the consumer uses. If an assistive device is to be used, arrangements should be made for the interpreter to arrive early to ensure it is in working order.

Interpreting situation. It makes a great difference to an interpreter if the situation is a classroom, a board meeting, or an appointment with a medical specialist. The interpreter must be informed if the assignment will require the use of technical or medical vocabulary, or if it necessitates straight interpreting for long periods of time.

Length of assignment. Because some interpreting assignments last only an hour or two, while others may go for several days, it is important that the rehabilitation professional inform the interpreter how long the assignment is expected to last. If an assignment is particularly long, the interpreter may be available only for a portion.

The assignment itself. The professional should provide complete information concerning the address, date and time of the assignment and inform the interpreter if the consumer will be there early so they may work together before the meeting. The telephone number and the name of a contact person can be vital if there is a problem.