Hints for Hiring Interpreters
HINTS FOR HIRING AN INTERPRETER
The deaf person deserves the most skilled interpreter available; they also may have a preference on the interpreter hired.
- Be prepared to give the interpreter the following information:
- The date and time
- The deaf person's preference for American Sign Language (ASL) or English-like signing.
- The setting (job interview, counseling session, lunch meeting, technical presentation, etc.)
- The length of time the interpreter will have to work.
- The deaf person's name.
- The name of the contact person and a phone number there.
- Location and directions.
- Procedure and address for submitting the bill.
II. Scheduling the interpreter
If possible, call the interpreter with a few possible dates and find out when she/he is available, then finalize the date of the meeting with the other parties. (This prevents the problem of having a meeting set and no interpreter available.)
If your group is going to have subsequent meetings, plan all your dates while the interpreter is there and make sure the interpreter is available and can commit to those dates.
III. Do you need two interpreters?
If your event will require more than two hours, or if it is a high stress job, such as stage interpreting, ask the interpreter if she/he will require a second interpreter as a back-up and relief.
The interpreter, or the deaf person, may request an intermediary interpreter (i.e., a deaf person who is truly bilingual) to assist with communications when the situation requires.
IV. Costs:
Ask the interpreter what the entire cost will be. She/he should be able to give you an estimate depending on the length of the job and other charges, such as mileage, travel time, minimum hours, retainer fees, as well as advise you of his/her cancellation policy.
