Interpreting Information
What is Interpreting?
Interpreting is the ability to facilitate between two languages, extracting the main message from the Source Language and producing an equivalent meaning in the Target Language. Interpreters can be found in many countries and many different languages. People who are d/Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and use sign language use interpreters to facilitate between their preferred sign language and spoken language.
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In the USA and Canada, d/Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) people use American Sign Language (ASL). American Sign Language interpreters are used to provide equal communication access in various settings. We will discuss each area in more depth below. One can find interpreters in various places, including but not limited to: healthcare, workplace meetings, courtrooms, K-12 and postsecondary classrooms, churches, etc.
Legal Aspects of Interpreting
Several laws in the United States have been enacted to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Since deafness is considered a documented disability, services for deaf and hard-of-hearing people are protected by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
If you are a company, business, building, or another service that is widely available to the public, you may be required to provide sign language interpreters for your deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers.
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There have been instances where companies who have been required to provide interpreters refuse, insisting that the deaf/hard-of-hearing (DHH) person bring a family member or friend to interpret or potentially billing the DHH person for the interpreter. This is illegal and provides the deaf person with legal grounds to sue and win.
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Qualified interpreters have five requirements- they must be able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary (Office of Civil Rights, 2015). To learn more about interpreting services and your requirements under the law, please read about the ADA and the Rehab Act of 1973.
Areas of Interpreting
There are many different areas interpreters can work, and there are many types of interpreters. Some interpreters work freelance, meaning they charge their own pay rate and contract with whomever they want- interpreter agencies or companies directly needing interpreter services. Depending on what area they are located, interpreters' pay rates can greatly vary. Other interpreters work strictly for agencies. They don't freelance and may only work for one agency. Still, other interpreters work as staff for a particular business. They may be employed by a school district, a hospital, or a workplace. Pay rates differ for various positions, depending on skill, certification, or level of education.
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Interpreters can be found in many places. Some examples of where interpreters work are college or university graduation ceremonies, weddings, funerals, dentist appointments, doctor visits, church services, educational environments, and courtrooms. Below, I will highlight several specialized fields where interpreters work and list resources for aspiring or working interpreters. Remember, wherever a d/Deaf person can go, an interpreter can go.
Specialization for Interpreters
Listed below are some of the many specialized areas interpreters can work in. Click on each picture or title to learn more about each area.
Legal
Encompasses paralegal, hearings, trials, jury duty, attorney consults, divorce proceedings, etc.
Education
Involves K-12, Pre-K, and postsecondary.
For children and adults.
Religion
Encompasses church services for all religions and denominations, translation of spiritual texts, and music/concerts.
DeafBlind
Those who are DeafBlind may use ProTactile, Tactile, or Visual Sign Language to communicate.
Healthcare
Healthcare describes mental health, medical, dental, optical, palliative, and end-of-life care.
Other
May encompass job interviews, staff meetings, job/college orientations, funerals, weddings, etc.