 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
| Q. I need an interpreter for my son's doctor appointment. How can I get an interpreter and who is responsible to pay for the service?
In most cases the doctor's office is responsible to provide you with an interpreter. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal access in the private business sector. The law requires businesses of a certain minimum size, (usually more than 15 employees) to provide the services of a qualified interpreter in order for Deaf persons to have equal access and solicit their business. Unless the business can show it would experience a real hardship by providing the service, they are legally bound to provide for interpreting services. When you make the appointment, remind the doctor's office that your son will need a sign language interpreter. Sometimes businesses have not dealt with a Deaf client/patient before and are not aware that they are legally obligated to provide the interpreter. If they are unwilling to accept the responsibility of providing for interpreting services you may want to refer them to the ADA Hotline number, (800) 949-4232, where their legal responsibility can be explained to them. The doctor's office should initiate the request for interpreting services since they need to agree on the terms of payment with the interpreter or interpreting agency. If you have a preferred interpreter you may give them the interpreter's name and contact information. Many interpreters have their own freelance business and the doctor's office can call them directly to procure services. Or the doctor may wish to go through an interpreting agency. The two largest and most well-known interpreting agencies serving San Diego county are Network Interpreting Service, (American Sign Language), (Bridging Communication) and Deaf Community Services of San Diego. More information links:
Q. Where can I go to get training on becoming an interpreter? In San Diego county there are two community colleges that offer Interpreter Training Programs (ITP); the Mesa Community College/Interpreter Training Program, 7250 Mesa College Dr., San Diego, CA 92111, (619) 627-2743 bdean@sdccd.cc.ca.us and Palomar Community College, Melissa Smith-Sherwood or Kevin McLellen, 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92082. Whereas other colleges, and even some high schools may offer classes in American Sign Language, if your career goal is to become a sign language interpreter you will want to attend an ITP.
Q. We have tickets to attend a local theatrical production. Doesn't the theater have to provide an interpreter for us? Yes, but you will want to make sure your tickets are for the interpreted performance, which is usually offered once each production. The Americans With Disabilities Law (ADA) requires agencies of state and local government as well as places of public accommodation to furnish appropriate aids and services including qualified interpreters to ensure equal communication access. Most theater companies now offer one interpreted performance for each theatrical production and thus fulfill the "reasonable accommodation" they are legally mandated to provide. Call the theater for information regarding date and special seating for deaf and hard-of-hearing ticket holders. More information links:
Q. How can I know if the interpreter is qualified? Be aware that there is a difference between a signer and a interpreter. A signer is someone who may have acquired basic skills in sign language but is not fluent in ASL. A signer may have taken a few sign language classes, may know one or two Deaf people but is not involved in the Deaf community. A signer has not taken formal training in interpreting and therefore is unaware of the professional interpreter's role. A signer is not bound by a Code of Ethics, is not a professinal and is not ready or qualified to interpret. An interpreter is someone who has been formally trained and is knowledgeable about the professional interpreter's role, the Code of Ethics, cross-cultural communication and ethical decision making. An interpreter is fluent in both English and ASL. An interpreter usually holds some certification validating their skill and professionalism. California currently has not law requiring interpreters be "certified" or in someway validating their skill before becoming an interpreter practitioner as do other professionals like doctors or lawyers. If you are working with a new interpreter, ask him/her questions such as: "Are you certified (RID or NAD) and if so what certificate do you hold? Where were you trained and/or how did you learn sign language? How long have you been in the interpreting profession? More information links:
Q. I am Deaf and want to attend a "Pampered Chef" party. Do I have to pay for the interpreter? In most multi-level marketing, the individual distributor is technically responsible to provide the interpreter, and the cost can be considered a business expense. However experience has shown that in these cases, the distributor can claim that paying for interpreting services would present a real hardship" and therefore be exempt under ADA guidelines. As a general rule for situations that the Deaf person initiates and controls, (weddings, funerals, or gatherings of a personal nature) the Deaf person will usually be financially responsible for the interpreting services. More information links:
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