American Sign Language

Making the World a Better Place One Conversation at a Time.™

Sign language Interpreters are some of the most highly trained and specialized professionals working in the interpreting field today. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters spend years with advanced schooling to develop themselves into masters of Sign Language. In addition to ASL, our interpreters are also trained in numerous other methods of sign. Sign Language interpreter training programs are specifically designed to integrate the interpreter into the cultural nuances of the Deaf community, which is something interpreters don’t get in general language interpreting courses.

Course studies include Deaf culture and history so that they can learn the specialized requirements that are essential for Deaf interpretation. Our interpreters understand that ASL interpreting for the Deaf involves far more than the basic transferring of information from a spoken language into sign language.

Certification standards for sign interpreters are more rigorous than most spoken language testing requirements. This ensures that all interpreters possess experience, quickness, and expertise. Certified interpreters adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct.

In addition, our privacy policies exceed those of most agencies. Language People’s sign language interpreters are some of the best in the business. You can feel certain that with our master ASL interpreting professionals you will always have an accurate and respectful exchange.

Language People operators are available 24 hours a day.

The members of our team are happy to answer any questions you may have. Our staff will be sure to match the ideal interpreter to your specific needs to ensure you and your client have the best service possible.

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Things to consider when requesting a Sign Language Interpreter…

What is your client’s signing style

One little known fact about sign language is that it is not a universal language. There are various different forms of sign language. As you can imagine, the country of origin matters in determining the form of sign language. Sign Language there are several different forms of sign language in America. These forms include ASL-American Sign Language, SEE-Signed Exact English, PSE-Pidgin Signed English, Cued Speech, and Tactile (Deaf/Blind).

Deaf individuals need sign interpreters who are fluent in their specific system in order to communicate effectively. There are many circumstances that can define an individual’s sign style. These include circumstance include if they were born Deaf, became Deaf over time, or if their parents learned to sign in a different language. This information is important for interpreters to know before accepting an appointment so that they know they can deliver.

Although ASL is by far the most widely used, it is important not to assume everyone uses it and to be prepared. Before requesting an interpreter, collect as much information about your Deaf client as possible. Not only will your interpreter appreciate knowing ahead of time about the client they will be serving, but it will also help our agency match the best interpreter to your client’s specific needs.

What is the topic of the appointment?

In many cases, there are vocabulary words that are specific to a particular business or industry. It is important for the interpreter and agency to know when they are accepting a medical, technical, scientific, legal, or industry-specific appointment. It will enable us to select the most appropriate interpreter for that job. Try to provide the agency with all the information you have regarding content, format, and the audience.

Any conference manuals or scripts that can be provided ahead of time are greatly appreciated. If possible, provide a time prior to the appointment when the interpreters and the Deaf individuals can meet to establish signing preference and shorthand signs. This will ensure clear communication between all parties.

What is the estimated length and style of the Appointment?

Interpreters work on a two-hour minimum basis. However, with Sign Language, team interpreting is often required for longer appointments in order to alleviate the strain on an interpreter’s shoulders. One interpreter can interpret for two hours of consecutive back and forth conversation, however, due to the physical nature of the signing that the same interpreter can only interpret simultaneously non-stop for approximately fifteen minutes.

Most medical, legal, and even educational appointments are consecutive, question and answer conversations. The interpreter is not signing constantly, and so one interpreter will suffice. Group meetings, conferences, and theatre style interpreting, where the Deaf individual is in the audience and the interpreter is doing non-stop simultaneous interpreting, two interpreters are required and must take turns interpreting. Be sure to know ahead of time the format of your appointment and how long it is going to last. Be sure to allow ample time for breaks. Feel free to ask any questions if you are unsure how many interpreters you’ll need.