| Interpreting
Services > Frequently Asked Questions |
- Who
is responsible for providing interpreter services?
- How
much does it cost?
- When
do I need 2 interpreters?
- Could
someone in the local community who knows sign language be used
to interpret?
- What
if there are no interpreters available in my local area for an
assignment?
- What
if we do not have funds to pay for interpreter services?
- Should
I book an interpreter in advance?
- I
have to cancel my doctor's appointment. Will SDHHNS call the doctor
and cancel the appointment for me?
- I
will be making an appointment at my bank. How do I make sure I
have an interpreter for that appointment?
- When
I book an interpreter, will you be able to tell me at that time
who my interpreter will be?
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1. Who is responsible for providing interpreter services? |
| Providing interpreting
services is the responsibility of the person or organization providing
the programs or services to which the Deaf or hard of hearing person
requires access. |
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| 2.
How much does it cost? |
| There are currently
two rates: |
- For government
departments, commissions, boards and agencies, the rate is $45
per interpreter per hour with a 2-hour minimum.
- For non-government
assignments, the rate is $40 per interpreter per hour with a 2-hour
minimum (Sept 2007).
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| 3.
When do I need 2 interpreters? |
| Depending on the
type or duration of the assignment two interpreters may be required.
Interpreting puts a physical and mental demand on interpreters and
as such, each interpreter will normally interpret in 20-minute rotations.
For most assignments over one hour in duration two interpreters will
be required. This can be discussed with the interpreter services coordinator
at the time of the booking. |
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| 4.
Could someone in the local community who knows sign language be used
to interpret? |
| Interpreters who
work for SDHHNS are graduates of a recognized interpreter training
program and members of a professional organization, Maritime Association
of Professional Sign Language Interpreters (MAPSLI). They abide by
a code of ethics which includes professional accountability, professional
competence, integrity in professional relations and integrity in business
practices. An unqualified person who knows sign language would not
have the professional training or be bound by the professional requirements
of the interpreting profession. |
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| 5.
What if there are no interpreters available in my local area for an
assignment? |
| SDHHNS will strive
to provide interpreters from within the area of the assignment. However,
given the high demand for interpreting services, the geographical
location of the assignment, and the nature of the assignment, there
are times when there is a need to book interpreters from another area
to meet the requirements of the assignment. |
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| 6.
What if we do not have funds to pay for interpreter services?
|
| The provision of
sign language interpreter services is a key part of equality of access
and accommodation for Deaf and hard of hearing people. As such it
is the responsibility of the program and service provider to ensure
funds are available for sign language interpreter services. |
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| 7.
Should I book an interpreter in advance? |
| Approximately one
to two weeks notice is preferable. SDHHNS will however make every
effort to book an interpreter with less than two weeks notice. |
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| 8.
I have to cancel my doctor's appointment. Will SDHHNS call the doctor
and cancel the appointment for me? |
| SDHHNS will cancel
the interpreter. You are responsible for contacting the doctor and
canceling your appointment with the doctor. |
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| 9.
I will be making an appointment at my bank. How do I make sure I have
an interpreter for that appointment? |
| When you book an
appointment at your bank you can inform the bank that you need an
interpreter. Please ask the bank to call SDHHNS interpreter services
coordinator in your area to book an interpreter for you. |
| |
| 10.
When I book an interpreter, will SDHHNS be able to confirm who the
interpreter will be? |
| SDHHNS will attempt
to book your interpreter of choice and let you know right away. However,
we may need time to confirm the interpreter's schedule before we can
let you know who the interpreter will be. |
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