1. Is Sign Language Universal?
No, there are many different sign languages around the world, just as there are many spoken languages. However, in the United States American Sign Language (ASL) is the predominant sign language among Deaf signers.
Interestingly, there is not a formal sign for every word in the English language, so American Sign Language users often develop their own individual ways to communicate conceptual meanings. It’s important to distinguish that ASL does not follow the grammatical rules of standard English. For this reason, many Interpreters have often studied for years to become proficient enough to be recognized as a Certified Professional Interpreter.
Even among American signers, there are many variations on the syntactic style of the language. For example, American Sign Language (ASL)) Signed Exact English (SEE), Manually Coded English (MCE), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), Tactile/Deaf-Blind Interpretation, Cued Speech and Oral Transliteration all have their own distinctive methods for communication. Many Interpreters have a particular language of expertise. Part of the scheduling process involves finding out which method of communication the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person prefers. With this knowledge, we will then pair him/her with an Interpreter who is proficient in that style.
2. Are the Interpreters, Transcribers and Stenographers certified?
Yes, we understand that the Interpreters, Transcribers and Stenographers we provide have to be the best available.
Most of our Interpreters are certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA) or the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NJDDHH). Most of the Stenographers and Transcribers we hire are certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) in either the Certified CART Provider Program (CCP) or the Registered Professional Reporter Program (RPR). If you have any questions regarding the certification and/or qualifications of an Interpreter, Transcriber or Stenographer, please call us at 800-275-7551.
3. Can I get an Interpreter, Transcriber or Stenographer 7-days a week, 365 days a year?
Yes, we can provide services 7-days a week, 365 days a year. In order to better serve you, we ask that requests be made with at least seventy-two (72) business hours advance notice. In this instance, “business hours” are between 9am and 5pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. Please remember that we are able to take your phone call 24 hours day to schedule a service or answer any questions. We do welcome last-minute requests, but cannot guarantee that we can fulfill the assignment
4. Under what circumstances should my business or organization plan to procure Interpreting, RTT or CART for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing client? Is it required by law?
Under Titles I, II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an
employer of a person with a disability, state and local governments and
places of public accommodations including schools, doctors, lawyers,
banks, group hosting meetings, workshops or seminar open to the public
regardless of fees charged must hire and pay for Interpreting or CART if
required, by a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual.
Federal Mandates
Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 stipulates that public and private agencies receiving government support or monies are responsible for providing equal access to persons with disabilities. This means the provision of a qualified interpreter to insure appropriate communication to deaf and hard of hearing of hearing people.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became effective, January 26, 1992. As per Title II, Public Services/State & Local Governments are required to make their services accessible to deaf/hard of hearing persons. Some example include but are not limited to the Governor’s Office, State Legislators, State and City Parks, Airports and Bus Terminals, State and city Police Stations, School Systems, City and Township Governments and State and City Libraries. As per Title III, Public Accommodations including but not limited to doctor’s offices, hotel, movie theaters, restaurants, day care centers, banks, dentists office, museums and private schools may not discriminate against people with disabilities.
State Mandates
N.J.S.A. 34: 1-69.7 et seq. mandates the use of interpreters certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in "any case before any court or grand jury in which a hearing impaired person is…..a complaint, defendant, witness, supplicant, or hearing impaired parent of a juvenile; all stages in any proceeding of a judicial or quasi-judicial nature before any State agency, country or municipal governing body or agency in which a hearing impaired person is a principal party of interest; in any proceedings in which a hearing impaired person may be subject to confinement or criminal sanction or in any proceeding preliminary thereto, including a coroner’s inquest, and proceedings related to mental health commitments. When a hearing impaired person is arrested for an alleged violation of a criminal law, an interpreter shall be appointed prior to reading of Miranda warnings, interrogating or taking a statement from the hearing impaired person."
5. Do I have to hire two (2) Interpreters if the assignment is over two (2) hours?
Unlike spoken languages, sign language Interpreting adds a physical element. Studies have determined that assignments that are two (2) hours or more in duration require a team of at least two (2) Interpreters to work in tandem to relieve the onset of fatigue and maintain quality. The Interpreters work as a team and split the functions of the interpreting process for more effective and consistent output. One interpreter works as the production interpreter (the person who is signing or voicing) and the other interpreter works as the process interpreter and feeds the production interpreter suggestions. Other variables, including the number of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in attendance and the varying linguistic needs of those individuals, may also influence the number of interpreters required.
6. Do Interpreters have a Code of Ethics?
As part of their Certification Process, Interpreters certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf are bound by a code of ethics, the 7 tenets of which are listed below:
“TENETS”
1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.
2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.
3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
6. Interpreters maintain Ethical business practices.
7. Interpreters engage in professional development.
Please visit: www.rid.org to learn more about the organization and its code of Ethics guidelines.
For any additional questions or information, please call us at (800) 275-7551.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)