Hiring an Interpeter

Hiring an interpreter is an important part of creating accessible communication for Deaf consumers. The following guidelines are intended to provide a helpful starting point for conversations and negotiations between freelance interpreters and the people or organizations hiring them.

What Information Will the Interpreter Need?

When you inquire about interpreting services, an interpreter will likely ask for some or all of the following information:

  • Description or type of event
  • Date of the assignment
  • Start and end time
  • Location and instructions for getting on site, parking, etc.
  • Contact person who will be on site
  • Names of participants
  • Nature of the assignment — setting, goals, number of consumers (Deaf and hearing), etc.
  • Language preference of the Deaf consumer, if known
  • Contact person for billing purposes

How Are Interpreter Fees Determined?

Fees negotiated with interpreters in private practice may be based on a variety of factors, including:

  • Certification
  • Training and years of experience in the field
  • Skill level and reputation
  • Educational background
  • Whether the interpretation will be recorded for future use and broadcast
  • Trilingual skills

Team Interpreting

Some situations require more than one interpreter. Depending on the assignment, a team may consist of two hearing interpreters or one hearing interpreter and one Deaf interpreter.

Factors that may indicate the need for a team include:

  • The number of participants
  • The length of the assignment
  • The complexity of the information being discussed
  • The communication needs of the Deaf consumer

Deaf Interpreters

Not all Deaf consumers communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) or English-like signing. Some Deaf consumers are from other countries and may be more familiar with a foreign sign language than with ASL. Others, for a variety of reasons, may communicate using an idiosyncratic system of gestures or “home signs.”

In these situations, the skills of a professionally trained hearing interpreter may not be sufficient to ensure accurate communication. When this is the case, a team of hearing and Deaf interpreter(s) is necessary.

The hearing interpreter works between English and ASL.

The Deaf interpreter works between ASL and the communication system of the Deaf consumer.

Start With the Deaf Consumer

Ultimately, it’s best to ask the Deaf consumer for their preference about individual interpreters. They will likely recommend particular interpreters they have found can meet their needs most effectively.

Once an interpreter or team has been hired:

  • Let the Deaf consumer know the names of the interpreters they can expect to see at your event.
  • After the event, check in with the Deaf consumer to find out whether they were satisfied with the interpreting services.
  • Ask whether they would like to work with those same interpreters again for the next meeting or event.