Why do I need an interpreter?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and its later amendments mandate that public and private services as well as employers must provide equal access to all people, regardless of their disability. This means that, if your agency, service, or business is accessible to people without disabilities, it must be accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, companies with 15 or more employees must follow fair hiring and employment practices when considering candidates with disabilities. When dealing with people who are Deaf, Deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, this means that communication must be accessible. The best way to ensure accessible communication is to have a professional Interpreter.
Can anyone who knows Sign Language interpret?
No. The ability to converse in sign language does not qualify a person to interpret. Interpreting is a complex process requiring fluency in at least two languages. The interpreter must understand the meaning of the message being communicated in one language and determine how to best convey that meaning in the other language, by appropriately conveying the message in a way that captures the intent and emotions of the person giving the message. Qualified interpreters typically study American Sign Language (ASL) two to five years and complete two or more years of interpreter training prior to passing qualified exams. In addition, Certified Interpreters must fulfill annual continuing education requirements to enhance their skills
Who is required to pay for a Professional Interpreter?
The ADA states that all public and private agencies that provide services to the general public, and all employers with 15 or more employees, must be accessible. It is the agency, service, or business which is responsible for payment for interpreting services. “(P)ublic accommodation may not place a surcharge only on particular individuals with disabilities or groups of individuals with disabilities to cover these expenses…”
Example: “In order to ensure effective communication with a deaf patient during an office visit, a doctor arranges for the services of a sign language interpreter. The cost of the interpreter's services must be absorbed by the doctor.”
III-4.1400 - ADA Title III Technical Assistance Manual, published by the DOJ at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taman3.html
Example: “In order to ensure effective communication with a deaf patient during an office visit, a doctor arranges for the services of a sign language interpreter. The cost of the interpreter's services must be absorbed by the doctor.”
III-4.1400 - ADA Title III Technical Assistance Manual, published by the DOJ at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taman3.html
Tax Credit
Disabled Access Credit:
A small business may receive a tax credit for expenditures required to provide accessible goods and services to persons with disabilities. 26 U.S.C. § 44. (Title 26 › Subtitle A › Chapter 1 › Subchapter A ›Part IV › Subpart D › § 44)
A small business may receive a tax credit for expenditures required to provide accessible goods and services to persons with disabilities. 26 U.S.C. § 44. (Title 26 › Subtitle A › Chapter 1 › Subchapter A ›Part IV › Subpart D › § 44)