Arranging ASL Interpreting

Identify Qualified Interpreters

Campus entities may contract with any ASL interpreter service or individual interpreter. Consider the following information when identifying ASL interpreting service providers:

Some interpreters have more advanced skills than others or unique experience in certain settings. Who is “qualified” in any given setting can vary and this discussion can be complex. When making a request for an interpreter, provide details about the nature of the event so the interpreter who is best suited for the content may be assigned by the service.

Consider consulting the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, the national certifying body of sign language interpreters. They offer advanced certifications and have a database that reflects their organization’s members and what certification they hold. Not all interpreters have certifications under this program.

The Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators offers information about the types of interpreter credentials. You can search their roster to make sure an interpreter is licensed or permitted in the state of Alabama.

The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes has an excellent write-up about Best Practices in Hiring Qualified Interpreters, as well as a vast amount of information on many topics related to working with d/Deaf people.

ODS has contracts with and would recommend the ASL interpreter services listed below.

Create a Contract with the ASL Interpreter Service

Determine if the chosen ASL interpreter service is an existing University affiliate or a new interpreter contract. ASL interpreter services currently contracted with ODS are listed below. You can also contact the Contract Management Office to verify current University contractors.

A. For existing University affiliates, the process will be determined by the cost of the service.

If the total cost of the service does not exceed $5,000, you will complete an Independent Contractor form.

If the total cost of the service exceeds $5,000 and the contractor is not an individual but rather a company with multiple employees, you will need to complete a Professional Service Agreement. (Note: If the contractor is an individual, an Independent Contractor form is also required to be completed and approved.  A final copy of the Independent Contractor form must be included with the Professional Service Agreement).

B. For new ASL interpreter service contactors, you will need to complete the New Vendor Contractor form in PaymentWorks. Instructions can be found on the Vendor Registration website under information for employees. Your office will have to initiate the invitation – see the PaymentWorks Initiator User Training Video.

Best practices for working with ASL Interpreter Services

Provide at least two weeks’ notice for events short in duration (ex: a class presentation, an informational session.) Provide at least one month’s notice for events like conferences, seminars, etc. Interpreters in the local area are limited so the more notice, the better. We recommend including an access or accommodations statement on your event materials:

“For questions about accessibility, or to request accommodations for this event, please contact [name] at [voice] or [e-mail]. Requests should be made at least [specific time period] prior to the event.”

When booking an interpreter, be prepared to provide the exact date/time/location of the event, the event’s duration, and any preparation materials that may be helpful to the interpreter(s), such as event schedules, PowerPoint slides, handouts, or other written materials used during the event. Contact information for the individual that requires an interpreter should be provided (name, email, and cell number for texting), if possible. Additionally, contact information for an on-site point of contact should be provided to the interpreter(s).

Costs of interpreters vary, as many travel from Birmingham and surrounding areas. Interpreter fees typically include 2-hour minimums, mileage and/or portal time, and fees may range from $70-$85 per hour. Cancellation fees may also apply for late cancellations or no-shows. It is standard practice for two or more interpreters to be present for events lasting longer than one hour (trainings, conferences, etc.).