Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire an interpreter?
Imagine your daily interactions – from development conversations with your boss to reviewing lab results with your doctor, all conducted in a foreign language and without a qualified interpreter to help you express your thoughts. Exactly…
Not only is having a qualified interpreter for your Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing clients the right thing to do; it’s also the law. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, all businesses must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure effective communication between them and their clients. No, you cannot ask your client to bring a family member or friend to help guide the conversation; they should be part of the conversation rather than the medium.
Although the term ‘reasonable’ can get confusing and can vary depending on your client and the nature of your interaction, you may contact us anytime to better understand your client’s needs.
Who contracts and pays for the interpreter?
You do... Those providing the accommodations are required to secure the interpreting service and pay for the expenses. All organizations should have trained staff and procedures in place in order to successfully address requests for interpreters.
The good news is that tax deductions can be applied to these types of expenses!
How much do they cost?
Interpreters are not volunteers. They are professionals in high demand constantly getting trained in cultural and linguistic fluency. The day and time, duration, nature and lead time of a request are all factors that affect interpreter’s hourly rate.
Important to note! All of our assignments are charged at a 2-hour base rate.
More good news… CILSF offers competitive pricing!
How soon do I need to submit a request?
Any time! But the sooner - the better! Since interpreters are in high demand and often booked months in advance, we highly encourage to send in your request as soon as you know you’ll need the service. Regardless, we have access to a large pool of qualified interpreters and will make best efforts to match you with the cream of the crop!
Why is a team of interpreters needed in some cases?
Interpreting is both physically and mentally demanding. In order to ensure effective communication and to protect the wellbeing of our interpreters, assignments that last more than one hour may require a team of interpreters. Also, factors such as the type of assignment (i.e. medical appointment vs. town hall meeting) or the number of participants involved play an important role in determining if a team of interpreters is required.
Keep in mind, interpreters will need breaks depending on the intensity and duration of the assignment – these pauses should be established before the fun begins.
Handy Tips for Working with Interpreters
Remember these tips, and all will be well.
Take a deep breath and relax - we’ve got this!
Allow the interpreter 1-2 minutes to decide on the appropriate placement for the assignment, or where they will sit or stand - visibility is priority!
Speak clearly and practice the popcorn technique, in which one person speaks at a time. Interpreting is a process; allow time for the interpreter to effectively process the information and relay it between parties. Brief pauses are normal and required for a smooth interpreting process.
Remember, the interpreter is a neutral facilitator of communication. If any clarification is needed from any participating party, proceed as you would in any conversation by asking for clarification! It’s perfectly okay and part of the communication process - with any language!
