LC Interpreting Services is now SignNexus!
SignNexus sets the standard for excellence and efficiency when accommodating the diverse communication and cultural needs of individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
SignNexus is a distinguished interpreting agency that specializes in American Sign Language, International Sign, and other sign language modalities. On-site and Remote Sign Language Interpreting Services are available to help organizations fulfill their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
SignNexus offers Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, also known as Realtime Captioning, for live events. Remote Captioning Services are also available to facilitate ADA compliant accessibility for virtual events on any platform.
SignNexus Interpreters and Captioners have extensive experience in a variety of specialized settings.
A quality ASL interpreter might be the difference between a Deaf client loving your proposal, and “giving it somefurther consideration.” Or maybe the difference between the Deaf attendees thinking your play was a masterpiece, verses thinking it was “pretty good.” An interpreter should exhibit the same passion for their job as the person who hires them.
Sign Language interpreting is certainly not a textbook profession! 
One day, an interpreter might be asked to interpret divorce proceedings in a courtroom setting; the next, they might be asked to interpret an executive’s corporate presentation. This unique career choice requires a dynamic individual with a love for customer satisfaction. In my last post, I discussed how to hire an interpreter, and now I would like to talk about what merits a capable interpreter.
A high-quality interpreter will have real world experience, a flexible attitude, and a willingness to keep up to date on relevant industry news. These individuals will be confident in their knowledge, will never accept a job they do not feel prepared for, and are not afraid to ask questions. Quality interpreters also maintain an established network of others in the field. Interacting with other interpreters allows us to bounce ideas back and forth, work through problems that arise, and better understand our own limitations.
Unfortunately, some individuals go right from their certification program to interpreting, which can be a bit isolating. This is a quick way to become overwhelmed, confused, and put a damper on the passion for the job. While the Interpreter Training Program is critical to learning our code of ethics and the more technical side of Sign Language; like any other career, a certificate does not make one an expert!
I cannot emphasize the value of mentoring enough. Having a mentor is an invaluable way to learn the ins and outs of Sign Language interpreting; the kind of things they don’t teach in school. An experienced mentor will help identify strengths and weaknesses; understand the more emotionally challenging aspects of the job; and prepare for the pressures of being on-the-spot. In this field, there is always room for growth. Without someone providing guidance, it is easy to take a job beyond our scope, become discouraged, or fall into bad or stale habits.
A mentor can be the difference between a good interpreter and a great interpreter. I am pleased to offer ASL mentoring through LC Interpreting Services because I love to share my passion for communication with others. Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals deserve high-quality interpreters, and all interpreters deserve to love what we do!
Imagine you are hosting an event and a deaf individual approaches you, inquiring about deaf/ hard of hearing accommodations. This happens every day, in a variety of venues, in both the public and private sector. What do you do? How do you communicate? Had you even considered this situation?
One of the biggest barriers between Deaf and hearing cultures is the simple act of hiring a sign language interpreter. Many hearing individuals, as discussed in my previous post, have very little interaction with deaf/ HoH people in their daily lives. When they do encounter someone who requires accommodation, it can feel like a challenge to locate the proper resources. Even more challenging, but equally important, is ensuring you find a high-caliber ASL interpreter for the event.
The first step in hiring a sign language interpreter is seeking out a local agency which specializes in ASL. I strongly advise looking for a Deaf-owned, or interpreter-owned provider. Here in NYC, there are some large agencies which hire out interpreters for a variety of languages. Sadly, these businesses often add ASL to their roster to make more money; with little regard for Deaf culture, or the quality of interpreter they provide. A Deaf-owned or interpreter-owned agency will have the best resources to ensure all your deaf/HoH patrons receive the same experience as your hearing patrons. Equality is the ultimate goal!
When you call the agency, be as specific as possible regarding your interpreting needs. Letting the agency know exactly which type of situation they will be accommodating helps to better match you with a qualified interpreter. For example, in a hospital setting, it would be advantageous to hire an interpreter who could not only communicate with both doctors and patients, but one who is also emotionally and mentally prepared to deliver medical news to a patient’s family. If you are able to provide the agency with as much information as possible prior to your event, they can find an interpreter with some background in the field, and allow them to brush up on relevant terminology. A provider who is knowledgeable requires much less preparation, and is capable of providing a much richer interaction.
A professional interpreter will know exactly what to do when they arrive on the job. They will ask appropriate questions regarding standing and seating arrangements, and will request any pertinent info prior to the start of your event. It is a great idea to have an outline ready for your ASL interpreter, which would have key topics, any industry-specific jargon, and a list of important names, places, or figures.
The Federal Government provides financial assistance for businesses to provide deaf/ hard of hearing accommodation.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that equal access be provided to persons with disabilities by all public entities (government offices, public schools, etc.) and by all services which are provided to the public at large (doctor’s offices, lawyers, etc.). Generally, this means that such entities are required to pay for sign language interpreting services. To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year (up to $10,250).
While provisions may be required by law, it is up to you whether your Deaf/ hard of hearing patron will receive the same quality of service you offer your hearing patrons. It is prudent to find an interpreter with more than just the national certification. Strong background knowledge, diverse field experience, and cultural competence will go a long way in providing equal accommodations, and curbing the oppression of deaf/HoH individuals.
Currently, in the greater New York City area, there is one Deaf-owned and four interpreter-owned providers, including myself. For more information about my interpreting services, please contact me.
As illustrated by the attention I received for interpreting during Hurricane Sandy, deaf communication really fascinates the hearing population! Growing up a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), it took me a long time to accept the wonderment others experience when they see sign language being used.When I was young, I ‘d become frustrated when patrons in restaurants or grocery stores would stare at my family while we were trying to have a conversation. Being naive, I didn’t know that their stares were not meant to be insulting. I didn’t realize that most hearing people have no communications or interactions with deaf people. It never even occurred to me that most don’t know how!
Until I was in the second grade, I simply assumed deafness was a societal norm. It was hard for my young mind to envision families who did not enthusiastically sign to one another over the dinner table. Other children’s curiosity regarding ASL, which was the primary language of my household, helped me begin to see the divide that exists between deaf and hearing cultures.
I feel such an innate connection with the 38 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals living silently among America’s hearing population. Sign language is the third most widely used language in the US, yet deaf/HoH accommodations remain frightfully scarce. How is it that in 2013, we have not created a cultural melting pot where deafness is, as I for so long believed, a normal aspect of life? By remaining separated, both cultures lose so much opportunity to learn from the other. Deafness is by no means a disability or impairment, it is just a different way of using your brain to experience the world. I wish there were a way to make the whole population understand this! I feel as though my heart and soul are deaf, but I have the ability to hear. I view my multicultural background as a strength, and the struggles of my deaf family members as inspiration to weave deaf culture more closely into the fabric of this country.
Ultimately, I would love to help society let go of their misconceptions, and one of the best ways to do so is to keep pushing for all-inclusive events. When hearing people become used to seeing competent ASL interpreters signing away on stage, without it being spoofed on SNL or going viral, we will know progress has been made!
