View or download our ASL Interpreting Services Brochure.
The need for ASL Language Interpretation
Many deaf people rely on sign language as their primary mode of communication. Just like English, sign language has many forms and dialects, depending on a person’s background, education, geography, and the age at which they became deaf. However, significant differences in the grammatical structure of the two languages often create communication gaps.
Sign Language interpreters bridge the communication barrier between hearing and deaf persons by conveying the purpose, thought, and spirit of the message in a consumers’ preferred mode of communication from oral transliterating to American Sign Language. Additionally, the interpreter maintains strict confidentiality and complies with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. Interpreters work in many settings: Legal, Business, Training, Meetings, Mental Health, Medical, Interviews, Educational, and Social.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), gives persons who are deaf or hard of hearing the right to accessible communication. In many situations, this calls for qualified interpreters to facilitate interactions between persons with a hearing loss and hearing persons. The ADA mandates that public or private entities are responsible for providing this accessibility. [Visit the ADA website]
Scheduling an ASL Interpreter through HDS
Interpreters are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
During emergencies, we have been able to have an interpreter on site in an hour or less.
When calling to schedule an interpreter, the following information must be provided for EACH request.
- date(s), time(s) (start and end), location(s)
- name and phone number of contact person responsible for payment
- name(s) of client(s) or consumer(s)
- consumer’s choice of interpreter(s)
- directions to the assignment/parking information
- if the client is deaf-blind
- which language has been identified as the client’s language of preference
- reason or purpose for this assignment
- on-site contact name and phone number
A Fillable Request Form for desktop use can be downloaded
and used to schedule an ASL interpreter.
Please contact HDS Interpreting Department to request an ASL Interpreter Price List.
Guidelines for using the services of an Interpreter
- Establish ground rules that only one person speak or sign at a time.
- Speak in a natural tone of voice and a normal rate of speed.
- Speak directly to the client, not to the interpreter.
- Interpreters will interpret everything that is said or signed during this encounter.
- Interpreters will abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.
- Information will be treated as confidential.
- Interpreters will not offer his/her opinion.