Got an important event coming up you need to make accessible to deaf people in the audience? Need an interpreter in a hurry? Here are some ideas for finding one fast.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: seconds to hours
Here's How:
- Contact a state commission or independent living center - they may offer referral services.
- Contact any local organization that serves deaf/hoh people, such as speech and hearing centers, resource centers for the deaf/hard of hearing, etc.
- Contact schools for the deaf or programs for the deaf or colleges for the deaf if they are in your area - some run referral services or even offer interpreting services.
- Contact colleges that have interpreting training programs or offer sign language classes (maybe the students or a student that has finished the program will be willing to interpret).
- Try the yellow pages under Translators and Interpreters - you may have to hunt a little to find the ones with sign language.
- If you have the TDI Blue Book or another TTY directory for the deaf, look for interpreting services listings.
- Do a search engine search for interpreting in your area.
- Check out the resources listed in the answer to the question, "how do I find interpreting services?"
Tips:
- Be patient. Demand for interpreting services is high.
- Be creative. If interpreting agencies are booked solid, you may have to try alternative ways to find someone.
- Allow enough time. As a rule of thumb, most interpreting agencies need a minimum of 2 weeks' lead time to schedule someone. You can usually get someone at the last minute, but it will cost you.
- Budget. Most interpreting services providers require that you pay for a minimum number of hours, usually two.
- Be prepared to accommodate the interpreter's needs in terms of seating and lighting.
