The Vital Role of ASL Interpreters in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim
Introduction
In the vibrant and diverse communities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim where over 1,000,000 Deaf people live, sign language communication is key. And for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters play a pivotal role in ensuring equal access to information and services. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of ASL interpreters in these Southern California cities and how they contribute to bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusivity.
The Need for ASL Interpreters in the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim areas
Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim are known for their bustling urban environments, cultural diversity, and numerous events and activities. This makes the presence of ASL interpreters even more critical. They provide essential services in various settings, including:
Healthcare: Deaf individuals need clear communication with medical professionals to make informed decisions about their health. ASL interpreters facilitate conversations in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
Education: Schools and universities in the area employ ASL interpreters to ensure that Deaf students receive quality education. These interpreters help bridge the gap in classrooms and promote an inclusive learning environment.
Legal Proceedings: The legal system relies on accurate communication. ASL interpreters assist in courtrooms and law offices, ensuring that Deaf individuals have equal access to justice.
Community and Cultural Events: Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim are renowned for their diverse cultural events, from music festivals to art exhibitions. ASL interpreters are often present to make these events accessible to the Deaf community.
Qualifications and Training
ASL interpreters undergo rigorous training and certification processes to provide effective communication support. The process includes:
Earning a bachelor’s degree in interpretation or a related field.
Completing internships and fieldwork to gain practical experience.
Obtaining certification from organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Challenges and Responsibilities
Being an ASL interpreter is not without its challenges. They must navigate linguistic and cultural differences while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality. The responsibilities of ASL interpreters include:
Accurate Interpretation: Interpreters must convey messages faithfully, without adding, omitting, or altering information.
Cultural Sensitivity: They should be aware of cultural nuances and adapt their interpretation accordingly.
Confidentiality: Interpreters are bound by ethical standards to maintain the confidentiality of all conversations.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The presence of ASL interpreters in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim promotes accessibility and inclusivity. It ensures that Deaf individuals can fully participate in all aspects of life, from accessing healthcare and education to enjoying cultural events.
Conclusion
In Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim, ASL interpreters are unsung heroes who work diligently behind the scenes to bridge communication gaps and promote inclusivity. Their dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to information and services is invaluable. As we celebrate the diversity of these vibrant cities, let’s also acknowledge and appreciate the vital role ASL interpreters play in making Southern California a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone.
Usually, our cultural landscape is enriched by linguistic diversity. However, this diversity complicates already complicated matters in the courtroom. Even though English is the most spoken language in the United States, it is only one of more than 350 languages spoken by current residents: 41 million people speak Spanish fluently. In the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas almost 1 million people speak American Sign Language (ASL). Sixty percent of Russians do not speak Russian as their first language. According to a 2011 poll, while English is the language of the judiciary in India, only 10% of the population speaks it.
There is a gap in understanding between the parties when people who appear in court or in a deposition speak a language other than the lawyers’. As a result, the legitimacy, accuracy, or interpretation of the current legal issue may be compromised.
Court Interpretation and Beyond
Court interpreters overcome this obstacle by providing direct, face-to-face access to high-quality interpretation services at the location and time of need. Professional interpreters frequently attend depositions and court appearances to ensure that people with limited English proficiency (LEP) can understand what is being said in English-speaking courts or in international legal proceedings and preparations. Interpretation can also be done over the phone. For instance, translators who assist lawyers who speak English during witness interviews in China.) Naturally, the same principle applies to interpreters who bridge communication gaps between native and non-native speakers of languages around the world.
Court interpreters’ work encompasses every step of the legal process, sometimes beginning long before a case even begins. Developing juries, securing reliable testimony, and presenting evidence at trials all require the assistance of interpreters.
The many different roles that interpreters can play and the influence they have in high-stakes legal situations will be discussed below.
Jury Member Selection Interpreters frequently assist with the selection process in cases involving juries.
A person who is otherwise qualified cannot be excluded from jury duty in the United States because they do not possess sufficient English proficiency. As a result, when selecting potential jurors, lawyers require proficient interpreters. When people who have trouble speaking English end up on a jury, they will need help from an interpreter throughout the legal process.
Depositions
Depositions can be an important source of background information during the discovery phase of a trial. No matter what language the witness speaks (e.g., ASL or Spanish), detailed testimony is extremely valuable. A witness’s responses can be unfairly distorted by an inaccurate translation or interpretation.
Legal interpreters are not content to simply verbatim translate testimony; They capture the person’s intonation, dialect, or nonverbal expressions’ underlying meaning. The actual meaning of a testimony frequently depends not so much on the speaker’s words as it is on how they are used.
Witnesses have the opportunity to give their testimony in a less formal setting during direct and cross-examination deposits. Direct and cross-examinations, on the other hand, can be nerve-wracking in court, causing key witnesses to become agitated.
Speaking patterns and intonation can be altered by anxiety. In the end, this widens the language gap and makes it harder for a witness to understand what they are saying.
By allowing witnesses to feel secure in the knowledge that they will be able to accurately convey their feelings, interpreters can have a calming effect. In addition, this gives witnesses the confidence they need to disclose crucial information that judges or juries might miss otherwise.
Opening Statements and Closing Arguments
Legal professionals have more leeway to advocate on their clients’ behalf thanks to opening statements and closing arguments. Throughout the course of the case, these declarations may have an impact on the behavior of plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses.
These statements can also assist juries or judges in comprehending each side’s argument. They offer an emotional appeal in addition to facts, figures, and evidence.
When necessary, a skilled trial interpreter can provide immediate translation to ensure that members of the jury, defendants, witnesses, and other key players who do not speak English comprehend each opening and closing statement in its entirety.
Communication with Attorneys or Judges Who Do Not Speak English
Due to the inherent difficulties of dual-language courtrooms, handling international cases becomes even more challenging.
Witnesses, attorneys, and court personnel frequently speak different languages in these scenarios. Whether it is American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, or any other language, it may be difficult for judges to communicate effectively with the people they are supposed to oversee in court. Throughout the entirety of the case, international interpretation ensures that all parties are able to comprehend. As a result, a more orderly and harmonious atmosphere prevails in the courtroom.
Typical Settings for On-Site Interpreters
Although on-site interpreters are useful in a wide range of administrative and courtroom settings, these key practice areas are where they are most frequently found:
significant commercial litigation. Trade secrets can travel across borders even more quickly than products or services in today’s global economy. In order to safeguard intellectual property in any given jurisdiction, one must have a thorough comprehension of both national and international laws and regulations. Antitrust: These proceedings are more regulatory in nature and less like the typical courtroom. A witness’s nerves can be calmed by properly prepping them with an interpreter and then deposing or examining them with the same interpreter. Act Against Foreign Corrupt Practices This legislation’s name suggests that there could be multilingual disagreements. When up to $25 million is on the line, clear communication is even more important. Typical FCPA roles for interpreters include witness interviews and simultaneous hearings interpretation. Law on securities. Specialized interpreters are needed for this job because they need to be familiar with legal and financial terms in both languages. The global corporations and financial institutions affected by the LIBOR interest-rigging scandal relied heavily on interpreters. When providing linguistic assistance to court proceedings, interpreters bear a significant responsibility. They must accurately convey complex concepts by capturing the full meaning of witness testimony and plaintiff and defendant expressions. In the meantime, they must resist the urge to incorporate their own convictions into these translations.
Successful interpretation prevents linguistic diversity from altering witness testimony or disrupting courtrooms. It raises everyone’s level of comprehension, significantly increasing the likelihood that the process will result in the right outcome.
Interpreting & Translating Industry Overview & Forecast for 2023 in the Los Angeles, Long Beach & SoCal area.
Industry Definition:
The interpretation industry is a specialized field that provides communication services to facilitate effective communication between people who speak different languages. It involves the conversion of one language into another language, either verbally or in written form, to help individuals or organizations to communicate with each other.
Interpretation services can be provided in various settings, including healthcare, education, legal, business, government, and social services. Interpreters may work in person, over the phone, or via video conference to provide their services. Interpretation services are essential for people who speak different languages to effectively communicate with each other, especially in situations where the stakes are high, such as in medical or legal settings. Interpreters need to have a high level of proficiency in the languages they are interpreting between, as well as a deep understanding of the cultural and social norms of the individuals or groups they are working with.
The interpretation industry is an important part of the global economy, and it is expected to continue to grow as the world becomes increasingly connected and diverse. With the growth of globalization and cross-cultural communication, the demand for interpretation services is expected to continue to increase in various sectors, and technology is likely to play an increasingly important role in the industry’s future.
Industry Products and Services
Written translation services
Interpretation services
Other
Industry Activities
Language interpretation services
Translation language services
Sign language services
Speech (i.e., language) interpretation services
Market Size and Outlook:
The language interpretation service industry in the USA has a market size of $9 billion as of 2023, and is composed of 72,698 businesses providing services such as translating written documents or interpreting spoken language for individuals or businesses. The industry is a subset of the larger language services industry, which includes translation, interpretation, localization, and related services. The language interpretation service industry is largely composed of small and medium-sized businesses that provide language interpretation services to individuals and organizations across various industries, including healthcare, legal, government, and education.
This statistic shows the revenue of the industry “translation and interpretation services” in the U.S. from 2012 to 2017, with a forecast to 2024. It is projected that the revenue of translation and interpretation services in the U.S. will amount to approximately 4.789,9 million U.S. Dollars by 2024.
The increasing globalization of business and the rise of international travel and tourism have been key drivers of growth in the language interpretation service industry. Additionally, growing demand from non-English-speaking populations within the USA has created a need for interpreters in healthcare, legal, and other fields. Technology has also had a significant impact on the industry, with the emergence of remote interpretation services and video interpreting platforms. These technologies have allowed interpreters to work remotely and provide services to clients across the globe.
The language interpretation service industry is highly competitive, with numerous small and medium-sized businesses vying for market share. However, larger players in the industry, such as Lionbridge, TransPerfect, and SDL, have emerged as dominant players due to their ability to offer a wider range of language services and their larger scale. The industry is not heavily regulated in the USA, although some states may require interpreters to be certified or licensed in certain settings, such as healthcare or legal contexts.
Overall, the language interpretation service industry in the USA is a dynamic and growing sector, driven by the increasing demand for multilingual communication and the impact of technology.
Key Services Offered by this Industry:
The language interpretation service industry in the USA offers a variety of services to its clients. Some of the key services include:
Spoken Language Interpretation: This service involves interpreting spoken language between two or more people who speak different languages. This can include consecutive interpretation (interpreting after a speaker has finished speaking) or simultaneous interpretation (interpreting while a speaker is speaking).
Written Translation: This service involves translating written documents from one language to another. This can include documents such as contracts, legal documents, medical records, and more.
Sign Language Interpretation: This service involves interpreting sign language between two or more people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Remote Interpretation: This service involves providing interpretation services remotely, typically via video or telephone. Remote interpretation allows interpreters to provide services to clients who are not in the same location.
Conference Interpretation: This service involves providing interpretation services for conferences, meetings, and other events. Conference interpretation can include simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, or a combination of both.
Localization: This service involves adapting content, such as websites, software, or marketing materials, to make them culturally appropriate and linguistically correct for specific target markets.
Transcription: This service involves transcribing spoken language into written form. Transcription can be used for a variety of purposes, including legal and medical documentation.
Overall, the key services provided by the language interpretation service industry in the USA are focused on facilitating communication between people who speak different languages. These services are essential for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, legal, government, and education, and help to bridge language barriers and promote understanding and cooperation.
Target Market:
Businesses: The language interpretation service industry may target businesses that operate in multiple countries or have non-English-speaking customers. This includes industries such as travel and tourism, hospitality, e-commerce, technology, finance, and more. These businesses may require interpretation services for tasks such as negotiations, meetings, marketing, customer support, and more.
Healthcare Providers: The healthcare industry is a major market for the language interpretation service industry. Healthcare providers may require interpretation services to communicate with non-English-speaking patients, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes services such as interpreting for medical appointments, hospital stays, and emergency situations.
Legal Firms: Legal firms may require interpretation services for court proceedings, depositions, and other legal matters. This includes interpretation for both spoken language and sign language.
Government Agencies: Government agencies may require interpretation services to serve diverse populations, including those who speak languages other than English. This includes services such as interpretation for public meetings, government documents, and emergency situations.
Educational Institutions: Educational institutions may require interpretation services to communicate with non-English-speaking students and their families. This includes services such as interpretation for parent-teacher conferences, school events, and educational materials.
Immigrants and Refugees: The language interpretation service industry may target immigrants and refugees who require interpretation services for everyday activities like healthcare appointments, legal proceedings, and more. This includes interpretation for both spoken language and sign language.
Individuals with Disabilities: The language interpretation service industry may also serve individuals with disabilities who require sign language interpretation for everyday activities, including medical appointments, legal proceedings, and more.
Demographics of Los Angeles and Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles and Long Beach, CA are both located in Southern California and have diverse demographics. Here are some key demographic characteristics of these two cities:
Population: Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States with a population of over 3.8 million people, while Long Beach has a population of over 462,000 people.
Ethnic and racial diversity: Both Los Angeles and Long Beach are highly diverse cities. In Los Angeles, approximately 48% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, 29% is non-Hispanic white, and 9% is African American. In Long Beach, approximately 42% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, 28% is non-Hispanic white, and 13% is African American.
Language diversity: Due to the diverse population in these cities, there is also a wide range of languages spoken. In Los Angeles, over 50% of the population
speaks a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Vietnamese being the most common non-English languages. In Long Beach, over 40% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog being the most common non-English languages.
Age distribution: Los Angeles and Long Beach both have a relatively young population, with a median age of 35 and 34 years, respectively.
Income: The median household income in Los Angeles is $68,093, while the median household income in Long Beach is $69,744.
Employment: In Los Angeles, the largest industries are healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. In Long Beach, the largest industries are healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and education.
Housing: The median home value in Los Angeles is $697,000, while the median home value in Long Beach is $708,000. Renting is also common in both cities, with approximately 63% of residents in Los Angeles and 52% of residents in Long Beach renting their homes.
Immigration: Los Angeles and Long Beach are both known as immigrant hubs, with large populations of foreign-born residents. In Los Angeles, approximately 35% of residents are foreign-born, while in Long Beach, approximately 25% of residents are foreign-born. The top countries of origin for immigrants in both cities are Mexico, the Philippines, and El Salvador.
Education: Los Angeles and Long Beach are both home to a number of universities and colleges, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and the University of Southern California (USC). In Los Angeles, approximately 40% of residents aged 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while in Long Beach, approximately 31% of residents aged 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Understanding these demographic characteristics can help businesses in the language interpretation service industry tailor their services and marketing efforts to better serve the needs of the local population. For example, businesses may choose to offer specialized interpretation services for industries that are prevalent in the region, such as the entertainment industry in Los Angeles or the tourism industry in Long Beach.
Additionally, businesses may choose to target specific income or language demographics to better serve the needs of their target market.
The United States is a highly diverse country, with a population that speaks a wide variety of languages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 20% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. This diversity creates a need for language interpretation services in many different settings, from healthcare and education to government and business.
In the Los Angeles and Long Beach area specifically, the population is highly diverse, with a significant number of residents who speak languages other than English. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the top five non-English languages spoken in Los Angeles County are Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Armenian. In Long Beach, the top non-English languages spoken include Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog. With such a diverse population, there is a significant demand for language interpretation services in these areas.
In addition to the diversity of the population, there are also legal requirements that mandate the provision of language interpretation services in certain industries. For example, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, healthcare providers who receive federal funding are required to provide language assistance services to patients who are limited English proficient. Similarly, in legal settings, individuals have a right to an interpreter if they do not speak English proficiently.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for remote interpretation services, as many businesses and organizations have had to shift to virtual or hybrid models. This has created a growing demand for interpretation services that can be provided remotely, such as over the phone or via video conferencing.
Overall, the demand for language interpretation services is expected to continue to grow as the population becomes more diverse and as the need for effective communication across language barriers becomes increasingly important. This creates significant opportunities for businesses in the language interpretation industry, particularly in areas
such as Los Angeles and Long Beach where the demand for these services is particularly high.
Key Players
The language interpretation industry in the United States is highly fragmented, with a large number of players operating across the country. However, there are several key players that have a significant market share and are well-known in the industry. Some of these key players include:
LanguageLine Solutions: LanguageLine Solutions is one of the largest language interpretation providers in the world, offering services in over 240 languages. The company provides both on-site and remote interpretation services, including phone, video, and mobile app-based interpretation.
TransPerfect: TransPerfect is a global language and technology solutions provider, offering a range of services including language interpretation, translation, and localization. The company provides interpretation services in over 200 languages and has a strong presence in the United States.
Lionbridge: Lionbridge is a language services and technology company that provides translation, interpretation, and localization services to clients around the world. The company offers interpretation services in over 350 languages and has a strong focus on technology-driven solutions.
CyraCom: CyraCom is a leading provider of over-the-phone interpretation services, offering interpretation in over 250 languages. The company’s services are primarily used in healthcare, although it also serves clients in other industries such as government and finance.
Language Services Associates (LSA): LSA is a language services provider that offers interpretation, translation, and localization services to clients across the United States. The company provides both on-site and remote interpretation services in over 200 languages.
Other notable players in the industry include Martti, Stratus Video, GLOBO, and Interpreters Unlimited.
Technology in this Industry:
The language interpretation service industry in the USA has seen significant technological advancements in recent years, leading to improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. Technology has played a critical role in transforming the language interpretation service industry, making it easier for interpreters and clients to communicate, and improving the overall quality of interpretation services. In this essay, we will explore some of the major technological advancements in the language interpretation service industry and how they have impacted the industry.
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
One of the most significant technological advancements in the language interpretation service industry has been the development of Video Remote Interpretation (VRI). VRI allows interpreters to provide services remotely, typically via video conferencing technology. This has made it easier for clients to access interpretation services, especially those in remote or underserved areas. VRI also offers significant cost savings, as it eliminates the need for travel and in-person interpretation services. VRI has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the healthcare industry, where it has become an essential tool for communication between non-English speaking patients and healthcare providers.
Speech Recognition Technology
Speech recognition technology has also played a critical role in transforming the language interpretation service industry. Speech recognition technology allows interpreters to translate speech into text, which can then be used for transcription, translation, or other purposes. This technology has significantly improved the efficiency of interpretation services, as it allows interpreters to work faster and more accurately. Speech recognition technology has also improved accessibility, as it allows individuals with hearing impairments to access interpretation services.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also played a significant role in transforming the language interpretation service industry. AI-powered translation tools have become increasingly popular, allowing interpreters to translate large volumes of text quickly and accurately.
AI has also been used to improve speech recognition technology, making it more accurate and efficient. AI-powered translation tools have become especially popular in the e-commerce industry, where they are used to translate product descriptions, reviews, and other content into multiple languages.
Mobile Applications
Mobile applications have also transformed the language interpretation service industry, making it easier for clients to access interpretation services on-the-go. Mobile applications allow clients to access interpretation services from their smartphones or tablets, eliminating the need for a computer or specialized equipment. Mobile applications have become increasingly popular in the travel and hospitality industries, where they are used to provide interpretation services to non-English speaking travelers.
Cloud-Based Services
Cloud-based services have also played a critical role in transforming the language interpretation service industry. Cloud-based services allow interpreters to work remotely, collaborate with colleagues, and access interpretation resources from anywhere. Cloud-based services have also improved data security, as they allow interpreters to store and share sensitive information securely.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has also emerged as a significant technological advancement in the language interpretation service industry. Wearable technology, such as smart glasses, can be used to provide real-time interpretation services, allowing interpreters to work hands-free and provide interpretation services in a variety of settings. Wearable technology has become increasingly popular in the manufacturing and automotive industries, where it is used to provide interpretation services to non-English speaking workers.
Overall, technological advancements have played a critical role in transforming the language interpretation service industry in the USA. The development of Video Remote Interpretation, Speech Recognition Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Applications, Cloud-Based Services, and Wearable Technology has made interpretation
services more accessible, efficient, and accurate. These technological advancements have also opened up new markets and opportunities for the language interpretation service industry, making it a vital component of the global economy. The language interpretation service industry will continue to evolve as technology advances, and it will be exciting to see what new advancements will emerge in the years to come.
Risks Involved in this Business:
Like any other business, the language interpretation service industry in the USA also involves certain risks that should be carefully considered before investing in or starting a business in this sector. Some of the risks involved in the language interpretation service industry are as follows:
Quality Control
One of the most significant risks involved in the language interpretation service industry is ensuring the quality of interpretation services. The interpretation quality depends on several factors, including the interpreter’s experience, expertise, and proficiency in the languages being interpreted. Providing low-quality interpretation services can damage a business’s reputation and lead to lost clients and revenue.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity risks are also a significant concern for the language interpretation service industry. Language interpretation service providers handle sensitive and confidential information, such as healthcare records, legal documents, and financial statements, which makes them a target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and financial loss, as well as damage to a business’s reputation.
Compliance
Another risk involved in the language interpretation service industry is compliance with regulatory requirements. Different industries have their own set of regulations regarding language interpretation, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare providers. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal action, fines, and other penalties.
Linguistic and Cultural Barriers
Linguistic and cultural barriers are also a significant risk in the language interpretation service industry. The interpretation process involves more than just translating words; it also requires an understanding of cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and contextual information. Interpreters must be well-versed in both the source and target languages and cultures to provide accurate interpretation services. Failure to do so can
lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and potentially damaging consequences.
Competition
Competition is another risk involved in the language interpretation service industry. With an increasing number of players in the market, businesses must differentiate themselves by providing high-quality interpretation services, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service to attract and retain clients.
Human Resources
Finally, human resources management is also a significant risk for the language interpretation service industry. Language interpretation requires skilled interpreters who are proficient in multiple languages and have expertise in specific fields, such as healthcare, legal, or business. Finding, training, and retaining skilled interpreters can be challenging and can impact the quality of interpretation services provided.
How to Solve it?
There is no single solution to mitigate all the risks involved in the language interpretation service industry, but there are several strategies that can help minimize them. Here are some possible solutions to the risks discussed earlier:
Quality Control
To ensure high-quality interpretation services, businesses can implement strict quality control measures, such as selecting interpreters with relevant experience and language proficiency, providing regular training and assessment, and monitoring interpreter performance regularly. Investing in quality control measures can help businesses maintain their reputation and attract and retain clients.
Cybersecurity
To minimize cybersecurity risks, businesses can invest in robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption. Additionally, implementing strict security protocols for handling sensitive and confidential information, such as
password protection, multi-factor authentication, and data backup, can help mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Compliance
To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, businesses can stay up-to-date with industry regulations and standards and implement appropriate policies and procedures. It is also important to maintain accurate records and document all interpretation services provided to comply with regulatory requirements.
Linguistic and Cultural Barriers
To overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, businesses can invest in a diverse pool of interpreters with proficiency in multiple languages and cultural knowledge. Providing ongoing training and support to interpreters can also help improve their linguistic and cultural competence, leading to better interpretation quality.
Competition
To compete effectively, businesses can differentiate themselves by providing high- quality interpretation services, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. It is also important to keep up with industry trends and technology and offer innovative services that meet clients’ evolving needs.
Human Resources
To address human resource challenges, businesses can offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and foster a positive and inclusive work culture. Additionally, implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies, such as partnering with educational institutions and offering referral bonuses, can help attract and retain skilled interpreters.
In summary, implementing a combination of these strategies can help mitigate the risks involved in the language interpretation service industry and ensure the long-term success and profitability of the business.
The average service price for language interpretation services in the USA can vary depending on several factors such as the type of interpretation, the language pair, the location, the experience level of the interpreter, and the urgency of the request. However, according to industry data, the average hourly rate for interpretation services in the USA ranges from $50 to $120 per hour. The per-word rate for written translation services can range from $0.10 to $0.30 per word, while the per-page rate can range from
$25 to $50 per page.
From another source:
Sign language interpreters make $43,655 per year on average, or $20.99 per hour, in the United States. Sign language interpreters on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $26,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $70,000.
Sign Language Interpreter Average Salary by State
Rank
State
Avg. Salary
Hourly Rate
Rank
State
Avg. Salary
Hourly Rate
1
Oregon
$59,877
$28.79
27
Montana
$43,097
$20.72
2
Virginia
$62,120
$29.87
28
Louisiana
$43,320
$20.83
3
West Virginia
$52,158
$25.08
29
Pennsylvania
$45,225
$21.74
4
Washington
$58,774
$28.26
30
Michigan
$42,938
$20.64
5
Massachusetts
$54,336
$26.12
31
Kansas
$40,085
$19.27
6
Vermont
$51,840
$24.92
32
Minnesota
$45,552
$21.90
7
District of Columbia
$78,608
$37.79
33
Iowa
$40,006
$19.23
8
California
$56,726
$27.27
34
Arizona
$41,427
$19.92
9
New York
$57,071
$27.44
35
South Dakota
$40,470
$19.46
10
New Hampshire
$48,369
$23.25
36
Missouri
$42,558
$20.46
11
Connecticut
$50,990
$24.51
37
Texas
$40,380
$19.41
12
Maryland
$52,920
$25.44
38
Wisconsin
$41,070
$19.75
13
Colorado
$52,989
$25.48
39
South Carolina
$37,747
$18.15
14
New Mexico
$47,238
$22.71
40
Illinois
$37,975
$18.26
15
New Jersey
$54,921
$26.40
41
Tennessee
$41,207
$19.81
16
Utah
$53,852
$25.89
42
Hawaii
$34,507
$16.59
17
Alaska
$54,334
$26.12
43
Delaware
$32,551
$15.65
18
Kentucky
$47,056
$22.62
44
Georgia
$39,655
$19.06
19
Nebraska
$47,405
$22.79
45
Indiana
$36,238
$17.42
20
Florida
$47,274
$22.73
46
Idaho
$36,159
$17.38
21
Mississippi
$48,539
$23.34
47
North Carolina
$32,722
$15.73
22
Rhode Island
$47,187
$22.69
48
Arkansas
$36,691
$17.64
23
Nevada
$48,332
$23.24
49
Ohio
$34,209
$16.45
24
Wyoming
$45,794
$22.02
50
Alabama
$33,063
$15.90
25
North Dakota
$44,272
$21.28
51
Oklahoma
$30,000
$14.42
26
Maine
$46,932
$22.56
Highest Paying Types of Sign Language Interpreters
Title
Annual Salary
Monthly Salary
Hourly Rate
Translator
$44,278
$3,690
$21.29
Freelance Translator
$44,736
$3,728
$21.51
Cryptologic Linguist
$43,225
$3,602
$20.78
Technical Translator
$55,019
$4,585
$26.45
Arabic Linguist
$44,433
$3,703
$21.36
Interpreter And Translator
$43,870
$3,656
$21.09
Google Trend for the Search Term “Language Interpretation” in the USA
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the language interpretation industry in the United States is experiencing significant growth, with a market size of $9 billion and an expected increase of 4.4% in 2023. This growth is due to the increasing diversity of the population and the need for effective communication across language barriers. The industry faces challenges such as pricing pressure, competition, and technology advancements, but companies can remain competitive by offering high-quality services, leveraging technology, and differentiating themselves through niche services or specializations.
Purple Communications and Cal Interpreting are two key players in the industry, offering a range of services and targeting different markets. Purple Communications specializes in video and onsite interpreting for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, while Cal Interpreting offers a wide range of language interpretation services for various industries. Both companies face opportunities and challenges in the industry, and their funding and SWOT analysis reflect their strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, the language interpretation industry is poised for continued growth, driven by the increasing need for effective communication in a diverse population. Companies that can adapt to changing technology and customer demands, offer high-quality services, and differentiate themselves through niche services or specializations will be well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic and growing industry.
I recently attended a workshop on educational American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and several issues were brought up regarding the needs of Deaf students in public schools. There is a lack of highly skilled interpreters for the youngest Deaf children, few role models for the Deaf youth, and not enough administrative collaboration with ASL interpreters.
It’s unfortunate that Deaf school populations are dwindling and more Deaf kids are being placed in public schools.
This is due to several factors such as proximity, educational resources, and lack of parental awareness of the pros and cons of mainstreaming their Deaf children. One huge downside is the lack of linguistic exposure. Deaf children are rarely born into Deaf families, therefore their ability to have access to language is severely limited. If they are placed into public schools, they typically only have regular access to one or few interpreters, depending on where they live. This can make or break their language skills.
It is challenging to expose those younger children (pre-K through elementary) to high quality American Sign Language users, especially in rural areas.
Public school interpreters, like most employees in education, are underpaid. Highly skilled ASL interpreters typically leave for the private sector, or work as freelance interpreters where they can fetch rates two to three times higher than those of the public sector. This leaves Deaf youth with limited access to their native language. With little exposure at home and at school, many Deaf children grow up language deprived, lacking age-appropriate communication skills. Hopefully parents of Deaf children will realize that they need to supplement their language skills by learning ASL at home and exposing them to as much extracurricular Sign Language as possible (e.g., Online vlogs).
Another main issue that was brought up was that of the lack of Deaf staff in schools with Deaf children.
This is crucial not only for language exposure, but for the kids to see that there are other highly functional Deaf adults in their circle. Some kind of role model to feel a personal connection with their institution. Someone they can simply chat with in the halls. Make small talk, or even come to with educational questions or life in general, and be able to express themselves and get feedback in their own language. Feelings of being included and boosted self esteem will only strengthen them and their ability to exceed in school.
Finally, if Deaf children are to reach their full educational potential, interpreter’s perspectives must be considered.
In many places, an ASL interpreter will spend more time with Deaf students than any other school employee, yet when it comes to developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), interpreter’s input is rarely considered. If we are to assess what a child needs to succeed, who best to consult than someone who speaks their language and spends the most time with them. Let us at least consult with their interpreters with the goal of developing, implementing, and assessing a plan that helps these students succeed not only in school but in life.
I believe there is a genuine desire to help Deaf children maximize their educational potential, we just need to inform the public on the best way forward.
Let us give Deaf children the language to succeed, starting as young as possible. Hire Deaf staff so those students have personal role models with whom they can share their life in their language. Interpreters form strong bonds with their students. Let us involve them in the planning process so that we can tailor their educational experience towards the best possible outcome. With these small changes, we can give Deaf youth the tools to excel in school, but more importantly, in life.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein. Let us work to ensure that Deaf children have only to endure the linguistic limits set upon all humankind. By setting them up for success, society will reap its benefits.
visit spotoninterpreting.com to book an educational interpreter or if you have any questions you can call us at 855.562.7768
It’s been demonstrated that the use of masks limits the spread of diseases by trapping coughs and sneezes, and preventing foreign viral emissions from coming into contact with your mouth and nose. Therefore it’s not surprising that using masks has translated into fewer cases. The use of masks are uncomfortable for many, however for Deaf and hard of hearing people, it poses an additional communicative challenge.
Reading lips and facial expressions is a universal way to comprehend a message and the emotions conveyed.
This is particularly true for the bottom half of the face, which is precisely what is covered with a mask. The top half of the face appears to be more involved with identifying the person, while the mouth area is more involved in expressing the affective component of communication. What’s more is Susan M Letourneau and Teresa V Mitchell showed in their study “that deaf signers’ accuracy in identifying emotions suffered particularly from the loss of information in the bottom half of the face.” That is, those who use sign language were had a more difficult time recognizing emotions in the top half of the face than hearing participants. It appears that deaf people generally rely more on the bottom half of the face for linguistic cues, and thus have less ‘training’ than hearing participants, who tend to focus on the eyes, picking up on those same cues using the top half of the face. This was also demonstrated in the study as “the deaf group showed an increased tendency to fixate the bottom half of the face in both tasks.” The scientists theorized that this tendency may allow ASL users to see both the face and the hands at the same time.
The challenge these days is preventing the spread of COVID-19, but is there a way to do it without negatively affecting people’s ability to communicate?
Luckily there are a couple of solutions that aim to ameliorate the loss of facial cues by providing a literal window. One design for a transparent mask comes from ClearMask which touts it’s product as beneficial to the Deaf and hard of hearing population, interpreters and translators, children…etc. It’s available for pre-order, although medical institutions are getting priority over individual orders.
Deaf Education Student Making a Difference
Ashley Lawrence, who is studying Deaf education, aims to modify masks by placing a window onto traditional masks, so that the mouth is visible. She has raised over $3,000 in GoFundMe money to be able to make and distribute these masks for free!
It’s heartwarming to see that minority groups are not being forgotten during this pandemic. If you know of anyone who could benefit from Ashley’s masks, please contact her at dhhmaskproject@gmail.com to request a free mask.
Should you need a professional ASL interpreter (onsite or telemedicine via video), we are here to help. You can contact us here or call us at 855-562-7768 and we’d be glad to answer any questions.
As of today (April 1st) there are almost 900,000 cases and 45,000 deaths. It is peaking in Italy and Spain and growing exponentially in the United States where the number of infected people is over 190,000 which is nearly twice that of the next most infected country (Italy 110,000).
In the midst of this pandemic, I’ve been getting emails and calls from interpreters. They often offer their services remotely as asl medical interpreters via Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), or ask if we have any other type of work (onsite medical interpreting, document translating, or even clerical work). The truth of the matter is that outside of ASL medical interpreters in healthcare, sign language assignments related to food services, and/or deliveries, the global economy has pretty much come to a standstill, and that includes professional language interpreting and translation agencies. There are still those Deaf clients that are able to work from home, but they typically rely on Video Relay Services (VRS) for their interpreting needs. This leaves freelance interpreters and translators dipping into their emergency funds and wondering when this is all going to pass.
Financial Strain
Freelance interpreters are used to saving up for Christmas and summer breaks, however this is an unprecedented storm that has come about with relatively little official warning. Congress has passed a funding package that will give $1,200 to each eligible person who makes under $75,000 plus $500 for each child. This will obviously mean more to those with lower costs of living, and less to those living in places like southern California where rent has skyrocketed as of late and the average rent in Los Angeles is around $2,100. While the payment should go out in the next couple of weeks and may be of some help, it will likely leave most interpreters dipping into their savings in order to make ends meet for the near future.
This pandemic will definitely put a financial strain on many households, but we should hope that it will unite us and foster the empathy and patience needed to allow us to get back on our feet. Evictions in places like New York and Los Angeles have been suspended, which will at least provide a temporary relief to those worrying about making rent. The last thing we need is to be putting people out on the streets, creating more suffering and more opportunities for the infection to spread.
Helping Hand
We must help each other get through this both financially and psychologically. To beat COVID-19 the best thing we can do for our families is to stay at home unless its absolutely necessary to go out (food or medicine). I’ve forgotten the last time our family went outside. In the beginning it affected my wife’s mental health quite a bit. We must remember to take care of ourselves and each other emotionally and psychologically. Try to stick to routines as much as possible. We have made the effort to reinstate our gym routine at home everyday, and it has helped tremendously. My wife also benefits from video chatting with friends and family. Though drugs and alcohol may sound like a tempting cure for some battling boredom, it’s important not to create lasting habits and addictions that may haunt you once this all comes to an end.
Silver Linings
COVID-19 will bring about much suffering, however we must try to find the silver linings. For one, it has given Earth a rest and air pollution worldwide has fallen to record lows in some places. It is also allowing those of us with families, to really be together. I am taking this time to teach my kids things that they don’t learn at school (e.g., Piano, French, Playing Halo on Xbox 🙂 It is also an opportunity for us to realize what is really important during these times when sickness and death are at the forefront of our minds. Speaking for myself, I will do my best to cherish my family and our well-being and do what I can to keep us all healthy, which at the moment is just staying at home and staying sane.
As a professional American Sign Language interpreter and a child of Deaf adults (CODA), I have been exposed to all sorts of phrases surrounding the deaf. Some phrases like “deaf and dumb”, though uncommon, make me cringe, while others such as “hearing impaired” are more innocuous and widespread. When I hear these phrases that are unacceptable, I have to remind myself that the person isn’t trying to be offensive, they simply haven’t been educated. Here I will try to give a brief list of what not to say and why.
Deaf People are not Dumb!
I’ll start with the most offensive mistake. While, most people realize that “deaf and dumb” is inappropriate and simply sounds insulting, I still hear it occasionally. I often note a sense of insecurity when the person says it to refer to a deaf person, as if they knew deep down inside that they shouldn’t have said it, but maybe nothing else came to mind.
The term ‘dumb’ has various origins. In Gothic (dumbs) dumb referred to a person’s inability to speak, while in its Dutch (dom) and German (dumm) roots it referred to a lack of intelligence (i.e., stupid).
In either case, “deaf and dumb” and “deaf mute” is inappropriate. Most deaf people actually can vocalize to some extent. While the ability for their voice to be understood by the general public varies widely, they are fully capable of making sounds. My father is very difficult for people to understand however, I could understand just about every word. My mother on the other hand, who had more residual hearing and more practice as a child vocalizing, is much easier to understand.
Hearing Impaired
“Hearing impaired” is probably the most frequent mistake that I hear, since it was once viewed as a politically correct version of the word “deaf.” This term is no longer acceptable, since “impaired” focuses on what cannot be done, and thus has a negative connotation.
Deaf vs. deaf
Now onto the more subtle distinctions. When Deaf is written with a capital “D” it refers to someone who belongs to the Deaf culture, in large part due to the shared use of American Sign Language (ASL). When deaf is used with a lowercase “d” it refers simply to someone who has lost their hearing, but does not imply that they use ASL or partake in the Deaf culture.
Hard of Hearing
“Hard of Hearing” is a more difficult phrase to define. It can refer to someone who has hearing loss and/or a person who is deaf but doesn’t associate themselves with the Deaf community. A person with hearing loss can be hard of hearing and choose to either participate in the Deaf, hearing, or both worlds. The latter poses more of a challenge for categorical purposes, however it’s perfectly possible.
In Summary
Do not refer to anyone as “deaf and dumb” or “hearing impaired.” The rest of the terms such as “hard of hearing”, “Deaf”, or “deaf” really depend on the person’s preference. You won’t evoke disgust if you refer to someone in those more acceptable terms, however you can always ask the person what they prefer if you’re not sure.
For more information on how to work with Deaf people, check out this page. If you’re looking to hire an interpreter from an agency for the first time, you may want to check out this page to see how to best work with the interpreter.
As a provider of professional ASL interpreters, we are most often involved in the Deaf culture, so feel free to contact us should you ever need to communicate with the Deaf.
If you’re wondering if your business is obligated to provide an interpreter, you can read more here.
To request American Sign Language (ASL) Translators, give us a call at 855-562-7768 or fill out our request form.
No one likes to be left waiting, especially if they’re paying you. If you want to start off on the wrong foot with your client and/or team, then go ahead and show up late. You can also forget about apologizing or even attempting to make up a credible excuse for why you left everyone wondering when you’d show.
2) Look Like a Castaway
Another great way to turn people off is by your appearance. Try showing up looking like you just rolled out of bed and see how quickly the Deaf and hearing client begin to question your competence. You’d be surprised how much difference it can make if you are well groomed and wearing the appropriate clothes. If you’re not sure what to wear, you can’t go wrong with a well-fitted business-casual solid (contrasting) shirt and slacks. You don’t have to look like James Bond, but you don’t want your appearance to be distracting to the other parties.
3) Roll Your Eyes
You never know exactly what’s going to be said in many interpreting situations. I’ve heard everything from “I think my uncle is my father” to interpreting for several hours on Christmas eve over a $5 discount on baby wipes. It’s not always easy to hide your own personal reactions in these extreme situations, but you should do your best. If you start rolling your eyes, or huffing and puffing when things start sounding ridiculous (to you), then that’s a surefire way to insult those involved.
4) Get Personal
If you’re running out of ideas for rubbing people the wrong way as a professional linguist, you can always try getting affectionate while you’re working. Feel free to interject your own personal stories, jokes, and opinions as often as you can if you have no interest in continuing your career as an interpreter. I’m not saying this is completely forbidden, but the norm is that you are there as a professional facilitator of communication and are not hanging out with your friends at a bar. Every interpreter will have to judge for themselves where the professional line is that shouldn’t be crossed, but it’s good to always err on the side of caution even if it makes you seem a little colder than you’d naturally be.
5) Criticize your ASL Team Often and Sternly
While a great way to develop professionally as an interpreter is by working with a team, there are ways to share feedback. Jerks will just throw a bunch of criticisms out there at will in front of the client. Even if you’re the best interpreter in Los Angeles, you should first ask if they even want feedback. Secondly, try to give criticism in the gentlest way possible. A good general strategy is to point out a couple things the interpreter did well and then make a few suggestions for how to improve. Avoid being condescending, as you should remember we’re all just trying to do our best. No one chooses to be inferior and they likely will take your suggestions to heart and improve. We should try to help them improve without breaking their spirit.
6) Never Learn
This is actually quite hard to do if you’re actually working often as an interpreter and mixing it up socially with the Deaf. Nevertheless, language changes and if you don’t change with it then you may find yourself confused on your next assignment. Take the coronavirus for example. Few, if anyone knew how to sign it, and now in just a short time, just about everyone who has kept up with the news knows how to express it in ASL.
Sign language workshops or online videos are a good way to beef up your vocabulary and expose yourself to the professional aspects of the language. This should complement your social involvement, since there are many colloquial signs (e.g., “eww” – see the video below) that may not be covered in a professional workshop, but that may come up on an assignment. You’re much more likely to come across new signs while immersing yourself in the Deaf culture.
Another great way to screw yourself professionally is to treat interpreting agencies as if they enjoyed being ignored or waiting indefinitely on you. I realize that interpreters get tons of offers for work, and I’m not saying that you should reply to every generic email that is trying to find coverage. However if you say you’re available, you should follow through until the assignment is confirmed. It’s frustrating if an agency gets a yes, but then when they ask for follow up information, it goes unanswered for hours or days. You should keep in mind that the staffer is just trying to ensure coverage for a client, and if they don’t have all the information to see if you’re qualified for the assignment, then they must keep on looking until they have enough to send out a confirmation and get a reply that it was received.
After the assignment, you should send in your invoice within a reasonable time. The client cannot be billed correctly unless the agency sees exactly how much time you spend on the assignment. I realize that interpreters are quite busy and have their own lives, but it definitely shouldn’t take you more than a week to send in an invoice.
The better you treat the agency, the better they’ll treat you. Once you establish yourself as willing, able, timely, and professional, then you’ll move up to the top of their list when they need to find coverage.
8) Be inflexible
In some ways, this should be at the top of the list. If you are set in your ways and think that the world should conform to your expectations, then you’re certain to struggle as an interpreter (especially freelance). Freelance interpreters are exposed to all types of people and situations. You can do your best to set up situations in an ideal way, but more often than not, you’re going to have to compromise. The lighting won’t be perfect, you may have a hearing client who uses inappropriate terms, there wont be enough space on stage, the clients may move around a lot…etc. There are times that you just need to remind yourself to go with the flow and that you’re doing your best. Our flexibility is what gives us our advantage over robots. There’s not much more that the clients can ask for than a capable, pleasant, interpreter that rolls with the punches.
If you’re looking to book an interpreter, then click here or call 855-562-7768. We provide onsite and video ASL interpreters and Spanish translators. We were founded in the Los Angeles (Long Beach) area, however we have a network of professional interpreters serving Orlando, Raleigh, Charlotte, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, and other cities nationwide.
I am often asked to provide an interpreter and when the issue of billing comes up, clients are sometimes surprised to find out that the deaf person is typically not responsible for paying for the interpreter.
I usually discuss their situation to find out if they are required by law to provide an ASL interpreter. I always advise them to double-check everything with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or an ADA attorney before making any decisions, but at least I am able to give them an idea of their legal obligations.
The Simple Answer
An overly simplistic answer is that if the deaf person is applying for a job and your company has more than 15 employees, then you will be responsible for providing an interpreter for the interview or any job-related communications that are essential to the hiring process or performance of the job.
If a deaf person goes to your place of business and you are not able to effectively communicate without an interpreter (e.g., via writing) with the person in order to provide services available to the general public, or the communication is expected to be very important or complex (e.g., medical visit), then you are responsible for providing an interpreter. There are few exceptions which the ADA discusses, such as if it is an undue financial burden or if it fundamentally changes the same service offered to the public.
Private companies or “Commercial Facilities”, are typically the ones who are confused as to whether they should provide an interpreter, as it is clear in Title II of the ADA pertaining to all state and local government organizations which states that the government is required to accommodate the deaf “…in all services, programs, and activities provided to the public…” – ADA Title II
Title III deals with Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities, which is what I typically review with the company to see if they are obligated. In general, regardless of company size, section 36.201 of Title III states that:
“No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any private entity who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.”
Effective Communication for the Deaf
Regarding deaf people, the law enables them to receive “effective communication” in order to participate as any person from the general public would. This is often unclear, so here are a couple examples.
EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. A deaf person who sign language to communicate enters a car dealer looking for a new car. The salesperson may be able to communicate basic information about the cars using printed materials, writing back and forth with pen and paper, or typing to each other via phone or computer. If the deaf person becomes serious about making a purchase, a qualified interpreter may be required to go through the details of the contract and for any in-depth communication about finances, since it can be difficult to understand all the contractual complexities of buying a car.
2. A deaf person checks in with their doctor for regular blood pressure and basic follow-ups with the staff. Writing back and forth and/or gesturing/pointing are likely all that is needed for this type of visit. However, if the deaf person has a mild stroke and returns to their doctor for a full exam and tests and asks for a sign-language interpreter then the doctor should arrange for a qualified interpreter because this type of visit has serious consequences and the details are not likely to be effectively communicated in writing or by gesturing.
In the case that using what you have on-hand doesn’t lead to effective communication, then the following are some ADA recommended aids and services that can help.
§ 36.303 Auxiliary aids and services.
(a) General. A public accommodation shall take those steps that may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services, unless the public accommodation can demonstrate that taking those steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered or would result in an undue burden, i.e., significant difficulty or expense.
(b) Examples. The term “auxiliary aids and services” includes –
(1) Qualified interpreters on-site or through video remote interpreting (VRI) services; notetakers; real-time computer-aided transcription services; written materials; exchange of written notes; telephone handset amplifiers; assistive listening devices; assistive listening systems; telephones compatible with hearing aids; closed caption decoders; open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning; voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones (TTYs), videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices; videotext displays; accessible electronic and information technology; or other effective methods of making aurally delivered information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing;
(2) Qualified readers; taped texts; audio recordings; Brailled materials and displays; screen reader software; magnification software; optical readers; secondary auditory programs (SAP); large print materials; accessible electronic and information technology; or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals who are blind or have low vision;
(3) Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
(4) Other similar services and actions.
(c) Effective communication.
(1) A public accommodation shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities. This includes an obligation to provide effective communication to companions who are individuals with disabilities.
(i) For purposes of this section, “companion” means a family member, friend, or associate of an individual seeking access to, or participating in, the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of a public accommodation, who, along with such individual, is an appropriate person with whom the public accommodation should communicate.
(ii) The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication will vary in accordance with the method of communication used by the individual; the nature, length, and complexity of the communication involved; and the context in which the communication is taking place. A public accommodation should consult with individuals with disabilities whenever possible to determine what type of auxiliary aid is needed to ensure effective communication, but the ultimate decision as to what measures to take rests with the public accommodation, provided that the method chosen results in effective communication. In order to be effective, auxiliary aids and services must be provided in accessible formats, in a timely manner, and in such a way as to protect the privacy and independence of the individual with a disability.
(2) A public accommodation shall not require an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her.
(3) A public accommodation shall not rely on an adult accompanying an individual with a disability to interpret or facilitate communication, except –
(i) In an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public where there is no interpreter available; or
(ii) Where the individual with a disability specifically requests that the accompanying adult interpret or facilitate communication, the accompanying adult agrees to provide such assistance, and reliance on that adult for such assistance is appropriate under the circumstances.
(4) A public accommodation shall not rely on a minor child to interpret or facilitate communication, except in an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public where there is no interpreter available.
(d) Telecommunications.
(1) When a public accommodation uses an automated-attendant system, including, but not limited to, voicemail and messaging, or an interactive voice response system, for receiving and directing incoming telephone calls, that system must provide effective real-time communication with individuals using auxiliary aids and services, including text telephones (TTYs) and all forms of FCC-approved telecommunications relay systems, including Internet-based relay systems.
(2) A public accommodation that offers a customer, client, patient, or participant the opportunity to make outgoing telephone calls using the public accommodation´s equipment on more than an incidental convenience basis shall make available public telephones, TTYs, or other telecommunications products and systems for use by an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, or has a speech impairment.
(3) A public accommodation may use relay services in place of direct telephone communication for receiving or making telephone calls incident to its operations.
(4) A public accommodation shall respond to telephone calls from a telecommunications relay service established under title IV of the ADA in the same manner that it responds to other telephone calls.
(5) This part does not require a public accommodation to use a TTY for receiving or making telephone calls incident to its operations.
(e) Closed caption decoders. Places of lodging that provide televisions in five or more guest rooms and hospitals that provide televisions for patient use shall provide, upon request, a means for decoding captions for use by an individual with impaired hearing.
(f) Video remote interpreting (VRI) services. A public accommodation that chooses to provide qualified interpreters via VRI service shall ensure that it provides –
(1) Real-time, full-motion video and audio over a dedicated high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection or wireless connection that delivers high-quality video images that do not produce lags, choppy, blurry, or grainy images, or irregular pauses in communication;
(2) A sharply delineated image that is large enough to display the interpreter´s face, arms, hands, and fingers, and the participating individual´s face, arms, hands, and fingers, regardless of his or her body position;
(3) A clear, audible transmission of voices; and
(4) Adequate training to users of the technology and other involved individuals so that they may quickly and efficiently set up and operate the VRI.
(h) Alternatives. If provision of a particular auxiliary aid or service by a public accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered or in an undue burden, i.e., significant difficulty or expense, the public accommodation shall provide an alternative auxiliary aid or service, if one exists, that would not result in an alteration or such burden but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations offered by the public accommodation.
Deaf People and Employment
Employment and Company Size
Title I of the ADA requires companies with 15 or more employees to provide non-discriminatory and reasonable employment accommodation. The ADA defines an “employer” as any person who is:Is involved in an area affecting commerce Has 15 or more full-time workers each day; For at least 20 or more calendar weeks during year. This means that if you have 14 or fewer full-time employees or are open for business for less than 20 weeks a year, then you do not have to be ADA compliant.
Exemption for Undue Burden
Section 36.104 allows for refusal of services if in doing so would cause “Significant difficulty or expense.” This takes into account, among other things, the financial resources of the responsible party and the cost of providing accommodation.
Private Clubs and Churches are Exempt
Under Title III section 36.102 Application it states that: “(e) Exemptions and exclusions. This part does not apply to any private club (except to the extent that the facilities of the private club are made available to customers or patrons of a place of public accommodation), or to any religious entity or public entity.”
Is the deaf person high?
Oddly enough there is a provision (36.209) under Title III that seems to allow for refusal of accommodation based on current illegal drug use. It also mentions that they are able to administer drug tests to former illegal drug users to see if they are currently using.
Safety Risk
Under 36.301 can deny access to the deaf based “on actual risks and not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities.”
Service Animal Exceptions
Under 36.302 of Title III, companies must accommodate service animals unless:
(i) The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it; or (ii) The animal is not housebroken.
36.307 (Title III) Accessible or special goods.
(a) This part does not require a public accommodation to alter its inventory to include accessible or special goods that are designed for, or facilitate use by, individuals with disabilities.
(b) A public accommodation shall order accessible or special goods at the request of an individual with disabilities, if, in the normal course of its operation, it makes special orders on request for unstocked goods, and if the accessible or special goods can be obtained from a supplier with whom the public accommodation customarily does business.
(c) Examples of accessible or special goods include items such as Brailled versions of books, books on audio cassettes, closed-captioned video tapes, special sizes or lines of clothing, and special foods to meet particular dietary needs.
TAX CREDITS for Providing Services
Small businesses can get tax credits for the expense of an interpreter. A small business is one with 30 or fewer employees OR with $1 million or less in gross receipts for the preceding tax year.
For More Information
I hope you have found this information useful, however it’s not a substitute for reading the law or having it interpreted by an attorney. You can contact the ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 if you are still unsure about deaf people’s rights and/or your obligations under the ADA law.
To Hire an ASL Interpreter
If you would like to go ahead and book an on-site ASL or Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), then give us a call at 855-562-7768, fill out this form, or email us at spotoninterpreting@gmail.com
As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), I experienced my fair share of interpreting for my parents. Growing up, I was involved in conversations between my parents and lawyers, shady mechanics, doctors, waiters, other family members and just about everything in between. Most of these situations were benign, however many left me feeling very uncomfortable. Here are a few reasons why you should have a professional interpreter or translator instead of using a family member.
1. Avoiding Psychological Harm
Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of interpreting during stressful situations. Studies have shown long-term negative effects on children growing up interpreting for family members. Bad news is often unpredictable, so don’t let your child be blindsided along with you when it comes. Avoid involving them in serious medical or legal matters. Professional interpreters and translators are not emotionally involved in the outcome of the clients, so they are less affected by what transpires. Plus, they are adults who have experienced these issues in the past and are often aware of coping mechanisms that children are unaware of.
Even mundane situations can turn stressful for a child. Arguments can pop up anywhere. So even though you may think having your family interpret mundane situations is okay, they may be prematurely exposed to adult arguments. These days there are many resources and apps that do well enough translating for these everyday situations, so consider using those when appropriate before using a family member.
2. Omissions & Misinterpretations
Interpreting and translating are in some ways forms of art. There can be several ways to carry the meaning from one language over into another. It’s not just a simple word-for-word substitution, which is why it’s been difficult for machines to interpret as well as humans. Professional interpreters and translators are trained to carefully carry that meaning over, and stop to ask questions whenever anything is unclear. Family members often aren’t so diligent. They often leave details out, believing that the “gist” is good enough. This may be harmless if you’re ordering a meal, but probably not so much if you’re discussing your case with a doctor or a lawyer.
Family members may often think they know what is meant by what they hear, but are much less likely to stop the conversation and ask for clarification. It’s not easy to admit that you don’t know something, so they will often just go on interpreting guessing what was meant. Professionals are trained to realize that this is not a flaw, but a strength. No one interpreter is an expert in all fields, so they’re bound to ask for clarification and should be used to doing so. Their main goal is to make sure the full message has been faithfully conveyed, and this cannot be done if there is doubt as to the meaning of the source message.
Furthermore, misinterpretations may be intentional. A family member may say something inappropriate, or even self-incriminating, and a non-professional interpreter may take it upon themselves to modify that message. This may sound like a benefit of having a family member there, however that’s not always the case. If it’s a legal matter, the “lie” may eventually be exposed subjecting the interpreter or the family member to further trouble. Additionally, the family member may be fully aware of the consequences of their intended message and want it to be faithfully conveyed, even though the “interpreter” thinks it’s inappropriate.
3. Negatively Affecting the Relationship
Both of the reasons listed above can stress the relationship. A family member inadvertently exposed to personal problems, or feeling stuck between conveying a potentially uncomfortable or self-incriminating message or editing that message. These negative situations can carry over into the personal relationship causing tension or avoidance. Familial relationships already have enough challenges without adding interpreting or translating to the mix.
If you need a professional interpreter or translator, we’d be glad to help. Just click here to fill out a form, email us at spotoninterpreting@gmail.com or call us at 855-562-7768.
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