Advocacy
"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." - William Faulkner
"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." - William Faulkner
Can sign language interpreters go anywhere?
Definitely! All Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind and Hearing people communicating through American Sign Language, including variations of visual sign language communication, foreign sign language, tactile sign language (Deaf-Blind) and spoken English can be done through a Sign Language Interpreter and in some cases, with a Certified Deaf Interpreter anywhere!
Our Interpreters are found to be working hard providing communication access in many different locations including hospitals and doctors' offices, classes, sporting events at a stadium, theater and musicals, a job interview, training and much more.
Do we really need sign language interpreters and Deaf Interpreters in some situations?
Absolutely! As per the Federal mandate, your service should have an existing policy on best practice in providing the communication access to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing person upon request and it is a tax deductible activity. Contact us for potentially negotiable and competitive rates to ensure your business can afford the services.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against those who request communication access in places of public accommodation including, but not limited to, profit/non-profit service, hospitality (i.e. hotels, state parks and tours), restaurants, theaters, doctors’ and attorneys’ offices, retail stores, funeral homes (i.e. burial planning), museums, parks, day care centers and private schools. The law effects local, state and federal governments, banks, factories, office buildings and other place of businesses.
I’ve heard about ways to remove communication barriers, but what is “auxiliary aids and services?”
As outlined by the ADA, sign language users requesting sign language interpreters solidifies the effective communication clause. Paper and pen with English language used is not a form of reasonable accommodation because communication rests with the person’s primary form of communication as such, American Sign Language.
If I know sign language pretty well, can’t I just communicate with that Deaf person or interpret for him/her?
The Department of Justice warns about having family members and friends to provide impartial or confidential interpreting between two parties, even if they are skilled/fluent sign language users, but not hired as an interpreter.
Interpreters are trained professionals who go through years of ASL and English Interpreting education to possess the necessary knowledge and qualifications through sign language receptive and expressive domains. For example, a medical appointment will require a qualified and/or certified sign language interpreter(s) to ensure clarity in medical decisions being made minimizing the risk of lawsuit.
What is the difference between a Signer and an Interpreter?
An interpreter will interpret both spoken English and ASL for all parties participating in a conversation.
A signer shouldn't interpret for other people who are speaking or signing, however he/she may encourage communication directly with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Signing person in sign language.
Guidelines established by ADA (www.ADA.gov) is endorsed by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (www.rid.org) which also offers certified interpreters to participate in their Certificate Maintenance Program as a venue of professional development to strengthen their visual American Sign Language and vocal English interpretation.
Service Bridges is committed to our pool of talented interpreters who are committed to the ongoing education of Deaf culture, ASL linguistics, ASL/English interpretation, English-speaking skills and ethics.