Centralized Interpreter Referral Service

CIRS

	Interpreter Services

We enhance communication for children and adults by providing:

• Sign Language and Oral Interpreters: Our carefully selected interpreters assist deaf and hard of hearing children and adults in settings such as hospitals, schools and colleges, courtrooms, business meetings, and religious, cultural or social events.

• American Sign Language Classes:  Ten-week, noncredit courses in American Sign Language held at our headquarters and other locations throughout the community.

• Deaf Awareness Workshops:  These presentations teach adults and children how to communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing individuals and enhance their understanding of the deaf community.

• VISion (Video Interpreting Service):  An interpreting service that uses video-conferencing technology to enhance communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A fee schedule for interpreting services and classes is available upon request.  

Helpful Information

Placing an Interpreter Request

1. Request an interpreter with as much advance notice as possible - at least two weeks is recommended.  Many assignments require advance planning.  

2. The following assignment information should be provided: Location and direction; seating and lighting; starting and ending times; number of participants; subject matter; meeting agenda; scripts; schedules; parking arrangements; any other information that would be important for an interpreter.

3. Confirmation from CIRS: schedulers will contact requesters to clarify information, confirm assigned interpreter(s), or discuss any problems in the requested services.  (CIRS interpreters may also contact you in order to gather even more specific information).

4. If changes occur which affect the original request, contact CIRS.  Even a minor change may significantly affect our services.  Inform CIRS of changes in time, location, number of participants, subject matter, presenters, and logistics of the assignment.  Please note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. 

5. Check with the interpreter during a break or after an assignment to see if anything can be done differently in the future,  Interpreters are an excellent resource to help you plan future assignments.  Feedback regarding service is always appreciated and helpful. 

Working With An Interpreter

The responsibility of the interpreter is to interpret everything that is said into sign language and to interpret everything that the deaf person signs into spoken English.  This job demands all of the interpreter's time and attention.  The interpreter does not share opinions or give advice.  She/he is required to remain neutral.  The interpreter conveys the emotions and the message of the people involved in the event and does not add or delete information.  The interpreter interprets everything that a hearing person would hear in the same situation.  Always observe the same courtesies in the presence of a deaf person that you would with a hearing person.  If there is information you do not want interpreted, hold that conversation privately.

• If your assignment involves highly technical language, it is advisable to review some of this terminology with the interpreter before the meeting.

• Discuss ways for the interpreter to ask for the clarification during the interaction (i.e. interpreter should raise hand if she/he needs speaker to slow down).

• The interpreter should be positioned so that the deaf person can see the speaker and the interpreter at all times.

• Speak directly to the deaf person, not the interpreter.  Keep eye contact with the deaf person and direct your remarks to her/him.

• Remember that the interpreter is usually a sentence behind the speaker.  This may cause what seems like a delayed response from the deaf person.

• Avoid direct light sources on those involved in the interpreting situation.  Bright light hinders reception of the visual language.

• If reading a speech, pause at the end of important points.  This is more beneficial for the interpreter than reading slowly.

• Provide the interpreter with any written information relevant to the assignment before it begins.  Items such as agendas, programs, copies of speeches, or sheet music can be invaluable to the interpreter.