Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Relating To
Sign Language Interpreters/Interpreting Services
If you have a question regarding sign language interpreters/interpreting services that is not listed below please fill out the on-line submit form.
- Frequently Asked Questions On-Line Submit Form
- Questions Relating to Sign Language Interpreters/Interpreting Services
Questions Relating to Sign Language Interpreters/
Interpreting Services
General Interpreting Questions
- What is a sign language interpreter?
- What is the difference between a person who knows sign language and an interpreter?
- When would I need to use an intermediary interpreter?
- I am searching for the statute in Nebraska which covers legal interpreting. Can you direct me to a web site that will give me that information?
- How much money does an American Sign Language Interpreter earn per year?
Questions a Paying Entity or Agency Might Ask
- Could an agency use a family member or friend to interpret?
- If an assignment is 90 minutes or longer do I need to hire two interpreters?
- Does a deaf or hard of hearing person have the right to request a specific interpreter?
- Does each interpreter have his or her own billing rates?
- Does an interpreter need to be licensed to interpret?
- If written communication has been used in the past, do I have to provide an interpreter if one is requested?
Sign Language Education (Learning) Questions
- Where can I take Sign Language Classes?
- What levels of sign language classes are available?
- Where can I find instructional materials/videos to help me learn sign language?
Providers of Services That Know Sign Language
- Where may I find information on working with deaf and hard of hearing children in a educational setting?
- I've taken sign language classes and would like to offer my services to baby-sit deaf and hard of hearing children. How do I get started?
- I've taken sign language classes and would like to help a group of deaf adults in a social setting. Is that possible?
Questions from Interpreters for Interpreters
- Are there any QAST level requirements for interpreting in theater or performing arts?
- How can I become a sign language interpreter in Nebraska?
- What are the requirements to be added to the NCDHH interpreter list so I can get jobs through the referral system?
- I am searching for the statute in Nebraska which covers legal interpreting. Can you direct me to a web site that will give me that information?
- How much money does an American
Sign Language Interpreter earn per year?
What is a sign language interpreter?
Answer -- The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a qualified interpreter as “an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.” A sign language interpreter is a skilled professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share the same language. The sign language interpreter must be able to understand the signed message to properly articulate the message into English and produce signs most readily understood by the deaf consumer in a manner that keeps the content and intent of the spoken message.
Could an agency use a family member or friend to interpret?
Answer -- While using a deaf person’s family member may seem logical and convenient, it is not advisable for several reasons:
- The relative may have emotional issues that could affect objectivity and impartiality, and could prevent accurate communication. The deaf patient may not feel comfortable to express feelings freely with a relative present.
- Using a relative could compromise the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
- There is no assurance that a family member has adequate language skills
for
communicating effectively in various settings outside the home. It is essential that the agency hire a professional interpreter. This way the agency and deaf consumer know the communication will be interpreted both accurately and impartially abiding by the interpreter’s Code of Ethics.
If an assignment is 90 minutes or longer do I need to hire two interpreters?
Answer -- Depending on the length and complexity of the interpreted assignment it is considered best practice to hire more than one interpreter if the assignment lasts more than 90 minutes. Interpreting requires physical/mental stamina and endurance. It is proven that an interpreters “production” weakens after 20 minutes due to the challenging task of interpreting. Often times when using teams, they will work in 15 to 20 minute increments. The team of two interpreters is broken into the primary and supportive interpreter. The primary interpreter is interpreting and the supporting interpreter is monitoring the overall setting, prompting the primary interpreter, and ensuring message transmission.
What is the difference between a person who knows sign language and an interpreter?
Answer -- A person who knows sign language from a relative or has learned sign language through taking a few basic sign courses is a “signer”. This is a person who knows sign language and can communicate with deaf people on a basic or fluent level but has not received adequate interpreting training. A majority of professional interpreters have received formal training through Interpreter Training Programs, advanced interpreting classes, and/or interpreting workshops. A professional interpreter has also been tested and/or evaluated with skill assessments and/or evaluations.
When would I need to use an intermediary interpreter?
Answer -- An intermediary interpreter is an interpreter who is deaf or hard of hearing and is qualified to interpret. There are circumstances when an interpreter who can hear may be unable to access the message of the deaf or hard of hearing consumer due to one of the following reasons:
- The deaf or hard of hearing consumer may have minimal or limited communication skills.
- Use foreign sign language.
- Have not been taught sign language and have created gestures that are used at home therefore only understood by the family but not by someone unfamiliar to this mode of communication.
- Deaf-Blind individuals.
The benefits of using an intermediary interpreter would include clear and accurate communication, clarification of linguistic and/or cultural confusion and misunderstandings. Overall the intermediary and hearing interpreter work as a team to ensure quality communication for all participants.
Does a deaf or hard of hearing person have the right to request a specific interpreter?
Answer -- Often times when a deaf or hard of hearing individual feels comfortable or finds an interpreter they like they will request that interpreter for future assignments. NCDHH understands this connection. If the referral is made through NCDHH the requested interpreter will be contacted first if the interpreter is on the NCDHH directory. If the interpreter is not on the directory the agency could try to contact the interpreter directly.
Does each interpreter have his or her own billing rates?
Answer -- Yes, interpreters charge a fee for the services they provide and bill according to the type and complexity of each assignment. Level of education, experience and certification also play a factor when the interpreter determines cost.
Does an interpreter need to be licensed to interpret?
Answer -- Nebraska Statutes 20-150 to 20-159 require all interpreters working for a Nebraska State Agency or those institutions/agencies funded by the State of Nebraska to obtain licensure. Interpreters must meet a required level of competence before obtaining this license. This ensures qualified interpreters are being used in these specific settings.
If written communication has been used in the past, do I have to provide an interpreter if one is requested?
Answer -- Yes, written communication may not be the most effective auxiliary aide for every deaf or hard of hearing person. The native language of deaf individuals is American Sign Language. The linguistic structure is very different from the English language. If a person has used written communication in the past, it may have been because they were not aware of their rights to an interpreter, or because they felt comfortable with the subject matter and situation at that time. In most situations it is best to use a sign language interpreter to ensure overall communication accuracy and lessen the chance for misunderstandings for all participants.
Where can I take Sign Language Classes?
Answer -- Check online at http://www.nol.org/home/NCDHH/interp_training_sl_classes.html. Classes are offered at several colleges throughout the state; class schedule and fee information is available by going to college web sites. For parents who have a child with a hearing loss, the Nebraska Statewide Regional Programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children may offer classes specifically geared for your child. Churches in Nebraska may offer a community sign language class for congregational members and open it to the community.
What levels of sign language classes are available?
Answer -- Generally the colleges offer classes ranging from beginning, intermediate to advanced levels; in addition, to courses related to the theory and practice of interpreting. Colleges may also offer adult or continuing education classes to become more proficient conversationally with children and adults.
Where can I find instructional materials/videos to
help
me learn sign language?
Answer -- The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) has a lending library. It offers a wide variety of sign language books and videos. Check what’s available on our web site, or visit the Lincoln office. A maximum of two videos and or two books may be checked out for up to three weeks.
Where may I find information on working with deaf and hard of hearing children in a educational setting?
Answer -- Contact your local regional program coordinator. A NCDHH Field Representative in your local area will have the name and contact information of your local coordinator. To locate the NCDHH Field Representative in your area go to our Region Service Map.
How can I become a sign language interpreter in Nebraska?
Answer -- Nebraska recognizes national certifications from both the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the National Association of the Deaf. Nebraska also has a statewide assessment, the Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST). Passing any of these three tests qualifies you as an Interpreter. Nebraska passed legislation that requires interpreters have a minimum level of competency to carry a license. Rules and regulations are still being reviewed. Licenses will be issued and maintained beginning in 2006.
What are the requirements to be added to the NCDHH interpreter list so I can get jobs through the referral system?
Answer -- NCDHH requires certification or assessment approved by R.I.D.(Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) /N.A.D.(National Association of the Deaf), or a Q.A.S.T. (Quality Assurance Screening Test) Level-I to -V, to be eligible for entry onto the state-approved interpreter list. If you meet these qualifications, contact your local NCDHH office to schedule a meeting with the Interpreter/Program Coordinator or Assistant. At the meeting you will be asked to review NCDHH policies and procedures, then sign a release form verifying your eligibility.
I've taken sign language classes and would like to
offer
my services to baby-sit deaf and hard of hearing children. How do I get
started?
Answer -- Contact the deaf organization in your area, regional programs, and your local NCDHH Field Representative to let them know your services are available. To locate the NCDHH Field Representative in your area go to our Region Service Map.
I've taken sign language classes and would like to
help
a group of deaf adults in a social setting. Is that possible?
Answer -- Yes, there are associations of the deaf in Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Fremont and Omaha. Contact information is available on this web site at http://www.nol.org/home/NCDHH/deaf_organizations.html.
I am searching for the statute in Nebraska which covers legal interpreting. Can you direct me to a web site that will give me that information?
Answer -- http://www.nol.org/home/NCDHH/final_lb22.pdf
How much money does an American Sign Language Interpreter earn per year?
Answer -- Interpreters may work in various settings like schools, colleges, for private companies or even themselves. An interpreter who works in a school will be paid a set wage that has been pre arranged. Private practice interpreters or free-lance interpreters are interpreters that work for themselves. Each of them will set their own hourly wage depending upon the job and their qualification. Someone who is employed by a company and is a certified interpreter may interpret for their employer on or off the job and their wage would be something contracted between the interpreter and the employer. A private practice interpreter tends to have a higher hourly wage than someone who works in the educational setting. The reason for this is because a private practice interpreter has to carry their own health/dental insurance and is not allotted sick time or vacation days. So in conclusion there is not a set amount an American Sign Language interpreter will make per year. It is on a case-by-case basis depending on what type of interpreter they are and how qualified they are.
Are there any QAST level requirements for interpreting in theater or performing arts?
Answer -- At this time there are no NE State requirements for Interpreters in the Theatre Setting. Here at the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing we do not refer any Interpreter without a quality assessment (QAST, RID and NAD).
According to the QAST Functional Descriptions an interpreter that holds a Level II or higher can interpret in limited platform situations. If the situation is teamed, scripted and rehearsed I do not see any reason why a Level II or higher couldn’t function in this setting. If the situation isn’t rehearsed, scripted or teamed a higher qualified Interpreter would be required. Something to also consider would be subject area and how familiar the Interpreter is with the material. That is where the code of Ethics comes in play. Tenant 4 of the RID Code of Ethics clearly states Interpreters/transliterators shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting, and the consumers involved.
For further explanation or discussions of specific issues please don’t
hesitate to contact the Interpreter/Program Coordinators in your area: