Imagine. . .
An agency is making preparations for a visitor from Mexico. Would they ask an employee who took a couple of classes of Spanish to be the official interpreter? Hopefully not.
The agency would secure the services of a professional who has been trained and certified as a spoken language interpreter. There are many people who have taken sign language classes for recreation or with the idea of becoming an interpreter. However, while these individuals might have the ability to conduct a simple conversation with a deaf person, they have not had the necessary training to function as an interpreter.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deaf and hard of hearing citizens have the right to a qualified interpreter while conducting business with your office.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Federal Register 28 CFR 36
"A public accommodation shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals. . ."
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A "qualified" interpreter is someone who. . .
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recognizes the cultural differences between deaf and hearing people and the resulting cross-cultural ramifications.
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is aware of and highly skilled in the diverse communication needs of the deaf and hard of hearing communities.
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is sensitive to the role and needs of hearing people in the communication process.
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adheres to a professional Code of Ethics that includes confidentiality, impartiality, and discretion.
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has completed professional training OR is certified by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Interpreting in the legal realm. . .
Qualifications for interpreters in the legal realm are much more stringent. The legal realm refers to, but is not limited to the following:
- Court
- Police
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Any court ordered proceedings and hearings (e.g. unemployment, social services, licensing, zoning, Department of Motor Vehicles. )
According to CRS 13-90-201 through 13-90-209 and the accompanying regulations, interpreters must meet the following criteria:
- be certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
- have completed specialized legal training.
- have supervised experience interpreting in such settings.
Save time and money. . .
By contracting with a qualified interpreter you will:
- get the job done right the first time.
- have an interpreter whose skills and knowledge you can trust.
- be able to communicate effectively with the deaf person(s) involved.
- have recourse through the interpreter's referral agency or professional organization.
- be in full compliance with the law.
If you have questions or need more information, call us:
(719) 599-4517 v/tty
www.signlanguagenetwork.com
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