Closed Captions vs ASL Interpreters - Which Do Deaf People Prefer?

ASL interpreters have been thrust to the forefront of public attention during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Every day, at present, ASL interpreters appear on-screen beside America’s best-known news anchors and politicians during Covid-19 press briefings. However, things weren’t always this way.

Up until recently, most news networks used closed captions to relate the news to hearing impaired Americans. This being the case, why the sudden change?

Closed Captions vs ASL Interpreters – What is the Difference?

Is it better to use closed captions to relate information in audiovisual media content to deaf people? Or is it better to use an on-screen ASL interpreter?

If you don’t have a hearing impairment, you will likely assume that closed captions are better. After all, how can people possibly keep up with all those different ASL interpreter hand gestures and impressions?

As surprising as it might sound, though, most deaf people who were born deaf, prefer to have information related to them by ASL interpreters.

American Sign Language Is a Distinct Language in Its Own Right

Why people who were born deaf prefer to have information related to them by ASL interpreters is simple.

Just like English might be to you, American sign language is the only real language many deaf people have ever known. More importantly, American sign language has very little in common with written English.

Most deaf people can read and write English. However, deaf people who grow up using American sign language, only learn English as a second language. (Similar to how a non-hearing impaired English speaker might learn French or German.)

In effect, whenever pre-lingually deaf people (those born deaf) see closed captions, they are forced to switch from their mother tongue to a second language, where the fast pace of dialogue can see some things get lost in translation.

Pre-Lingually Deaf vs Post-Lingually Deaf Captioning Preferences

For the most part, pre-lingually deaf people who learn American sign language as their first language, always prefer to see an ASL interpreter on-screen over closed captions. However, the same isn’t true for people who suffer hearing loss later in life.

In the case of post-lingually deaf people who learn English as a spoken language first, then American sign language, most do prefer to see closed captions on-screen over ASL interpreters.

Why are More ASL Interpreters Suddenly Appearing in the Media?

Why more ASL interpreters are currently appearing on-screen during news broadcasts is simple.

In the early stages of the Coronavirus crisis, many pre-lingually deaf people found it difficult to follow the latest news updates and government guidance, delivered to them in the form of closed captions. As a result, more news networks started to feature on-screen ASL interpreters.

Should You Be Starting to Use ASL Interpreters in Your Company Media?

Given that not all deaf people feel comfortable with closed captions, should you consider changing how you present information in your own company advertising and promotional media?

At present, most businesses do add closed captions to advertising media they syndicate online and via television networks. However, given that pre-lingually deaf people don’t always feel comfortable with these, you may want to consider investing in an ASL interpreter for your next ad.

Just remember not to dispense with closed captions completely. Some deaf people do prefer these, and as a rule, it’s always better to give your customers more, not fewer options.

Check out Languagers Website for more information.

Video Remote Interpretation Services - How Much Does VRI Cost?

Interest in Video Remote Interpreting is booming. Thanks to Covid-19, more businesses than ever before are racing to embrace remote working. As a result, interest in video remote interpretation services is spiking. More importantly, businesses are starting to realize major cost savings by embracing VRI.

Could your business save by working with a Remote Video Interpreter? Here, we’ll look at what average cost savings you can expect from VRI.

What is VRI Interpreting?

Video remote interpretation services are ideal for businesses that need to hire interpreters for client consultations and conference calls.

In the past, you might have hired an interpreter to be physically present in meetings or non-English speaking client consultations. Now, though, you might be hosting meetings and consultations 100% virtually using apps like Skype or Zoom.

When hosting meetings virtually, it makes no sense to have an interpreter be physically present in your office. Video remote interpretation services, therefore, see interpreters join meetings virtually, just like other clients and employees.

l  VRI interpreting is often used when it is necessary to translate spoken English into American sign language.

l  In many cases, business associates and customers prefer to use video remote interpretation services over standard telephone interpreter services.

l  Getting started with VRI is simple. At interpreter agencies like Languagers, you can hire a VRI interpreter the same day that a virtual meeting will take place.

How Much Can Video Remote Interpretation Services Help You Save?

When it comes to how much you can save with VRI interpreting, this will always depend on what language is being translated, industry categories and how many hours you need to hire an interpreter. However, it is possible to put a rough estimate on savings.

l  On average, hiring interpreters to be physically present during meetings and client conversations can cost $50 to $145 per hour.

l  Travel costs are additional costs paid by requestors.

l  In most cases, it is necessary to book an interpreter for a minimum period of 2-hours.

l  American sign language interpreters typically charge higher rates of (approximately) $75 to $125 per hour.

By comparison, video remote interpreters typically charge a flat hourly fee of $35 to $100. Alternatively, phone and VRI interpreters can be hired on a per-minute basis, with rates starting at as little as $0.99 to $3.

How Can You Make Sure You Hire the Right Interpreter?

Given the average cost of hiring in-person interpreters, most businesses can expect to save up to 50% when hiring video remote interpreters. However, when hiring interpreters, it is important not to choose the cheapest interpreter available.

l  While some language VRI interpreters may charge as little as $18 per hour, there will usually be a reason why rates are so low.

l  In many cases, low-budget interpreters will be freelancers with minimal industry experience.

l  In some cases, interpreters might be based overseas and/or not be as proficient in English or other languages as you might hope. 

Thankfully, at Languagers, we rigorously vet the credentials of all the interpreters we work with. This being the case, if you are looking to save by using VRI, we are ideally suited to help you get started.

 

Being Able to Translate English to Spanish Quickly is Vital During Covid-19

English to Spanish translation services have been in high-demand throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Every day, the U.S. government publishes new Coronavirus news and guidance. However, for 53 million people in the U.S. Spanish, not English is their first language. As a result, it is necessary to translate English to Spanish quickly, to keep all Spanish speaking Americans informed.

English to Spanish Translation Services will Be Even More Important Post-Covid-19

Do you own a business in a predominantly Spanish speaking part of the U.S? If so, you might want to start thinking now about what kind of information you might need to translate from English to Spanish, ready for when your business reopens after Covid-19.

At present, many U.S. States are easing restrictions and almost half of the States still see the number of confirmed new Covid-19 cases growing. Many businesses will still have to operate under strict rules outlined by public health officials.

• Businesses will need to ensure that customers observe strict social distancing rules.
• Social distancing rules will differ from business to business. (How customers socially distance in Wal-Mart won’t be the same as how they socially distance in a hair salon.)
• It will be up to business owners to educate customers on how to behave and stay safe while in their establishment.

In short, if your business operates in an area with a large Spanish population, you will owe it to yourself and your customers to provide relevant post-Covid-19 business guidance in both English and Spanish.

Should You be Offering Customer Service in Spanish?

As well as thinking about how to relate Covid-19 social distancing guidelines to customers, now is also an ideal time to think about making your entire business more accessible to Spanish speakers.

You might not speak Spanish yourself. However, there is nothing stopping you from making available a Spanish language version of your website to engage with more of the Spanish community.

There are also other ways that it is possible to make businesses more accessible to Spanish speakers.

• Consider translating restaurants menus to Spanish.
• Think about adding a Spanish translation to business brochures and flyers.
• If your business is based online, think about creating and distributing Spanish language lead magnets to put your brand on the radar of more Spanish speakers.

What are the Benefits of Offering Customer Service in Spanish?

The benefits of offering customer service in Spanish are simple. Some estimates suggest that by 2050, there will be over 140 million Spanish speakers in the U.S. Spanish people also have a reputation for rewarding what they perceive as friendly customer service with extraordinary brand loyalty.

Make Sure to Book English to Spanish Translation Services Sooner Rather Than Later

Make no mistake, making your business more accessible to Spanish speaking can give you a lucrative edge over your competitors. However, if you do plan to make your business more Spanish-friendly, make sure to act sooner rather than later.

At present, there are just 76,000 translators in the American workforce. Many are also currently busy working on backlogs of assignments as a result of increased demand for their services during the Coronaviris crisis.

Thankfully, we at Languagers have more English to Spanish translators on the books than any other agency. This being the case, if you need something translating, make sure to turn to us before you do anyone else.

Phone Interpreter Services are Exposing Flaws in Telehealth

During the Coronavirus crisis, demand for over the phone interpreter services has been spiking. This has been particularly evident in the healthcare industry.

Sadly. demand for telephone interpreters in the healthcare industry is exposing major flaws in the way many new Telehealth services are being implemented.

Telehealth Needs to Stop Using Phone Interpreter Services as a Last Resort

On the surface, Telehealth services using over the phone interpreter services to communicate with patients seems like a good thing. After all, this means that Telehealth services can be used by both English and non-English speaking patients. However, according to a recent Verge article, all is not as it seems.

Make no mistake, phone interpreter services like those offered by ourselves at Languagers, do make it easy for medical professionals to connect with non-English speaking patients. However, according to Verge, many Telehealth services are only turning to telephone interpreter services as a last resort.

l  According to Verge, most Telehealth services are being launched with support for English speaking patients only.

l  Often, Telemedicine Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems do not give callers an option to select different language options.

l  In cases were Telehealth apps connect patients directly with medical professionals, there is rarely an option to choose to speak to a medical professional who speaks any language but English.

Because Telehealth systems lack in-built support for patients who speak different languages, healthcare providers are forced to hire telephone interpreters as a last resort. However, this solution is far from ideal.

How Should Telehealth Services Cater to Non-English Speakers?

At Languagers, we make it easy for healthcare professionals to connect quickly with translators and interpreters. Ideally, though, health services should offer support by default for non-English speaking patients.

Is your medical practice, dental surgery, or health center planning to start rolling out Telehealth services? If so, there are ways that you can cater to the needs of non-English speaking patients, without investing in full-time interpreters.

l  Hire a translator at Languagers to translate healthcare app and website information into Spanish and other languages spoken in your area.

l  When setting up Telehealth IVR systems, make sure to record messages in both English, Spanish, and other languages that are spoken by your patients.

l  When launching both apps and IVR systems, make sure that patients have a way to request a consultation with a medical professional where a translator will be present.

Hire Interpreters for Phone Consultations Only When Necessary

When apps and Telehealth IVR systems support non-English speakers, patients will find it easier to request consultations with an interpreter present. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to hire a full-time interpreter.

At Languagers, we make it easy for healthcare professionals to hire telephone interpreters quickly, as interpreters are required. This means that you can serve more patients, without having to directly hire extra employees.

Are you launching a Telehealth service in response to the Covid-19 crisis? If so, find out how Languagers can help by clicking here.  

 

 

When Do You Need to Provide a Sign Language Translator by Law?

Is your business required by law to make available a sign language translator, whenever an interpreter is requested by a member of the public? In short, the answer is maybe.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Affordable Care Act of 2010, all mandate that businesses that receive Federal funds are fully accessible to people with hearing impairments.

Thankfully, legislators are aware that not all businesses are able to retain full-time sign language interpreters. Here, we'll, therefore, look at how your business should interpret the likes of Americans with Disabilities Act.

When Do You Have to Hire a Sign Language Translator by Law?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, was created to ensure that no American with a hearing impairment suffers discrimination as a result of their disability.

It is, of course, accepted, that not every American business can afford to hire full-time sign language interpreters. However, in certain professions, making such provisions is a legal requirement.

 

l  All medical clinics and practitioners are bound under the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide hard of hearing patients with access to sign language interpreters. 

l  In the case of hospitals, sign language interpreting services must be made available in all hospital areas, from gift shops to emergency rooms.

l  The ADA stipulates that a sign language translator must be provided (on request) when people with hearing impairments communicate in any way with law enforcement.

l  The ADA makes it clear that education providers and legal professionals, have a duty of care to make sign language interpreters available when asked by people with hearing impairments.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, hospitality business owners and all employers are also required to make provisions for those with hearing impairments. However, guidelines aren’t always as strict.

In the case of hotels and holiday accommodation providers, the only obligation establishments have under the ADA, is to make teletypewriters available to guests with hearing impairments.

What If You Can’t Afford to Hire a Full-Time Translator?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 8.5%of the U.S. population has some form of hearing impairment.

While 8.5% of the population might not seem statistically significant, this does mean that almost 1 out of every 10 of your customers, work colleagues, and employees will suffer from hearing loss at some point. 

Thankfully, there are ways to make reasonable provisions for customers and employees with hearing impairments, without hiring full-time sign language interpreters.

l  Make your business deaf-friendly, by installing audio induction loops in your business premises. Doing so will greatly assist people who use hearing aids.

l  Train your staff to always speak clearly and make eye contact with members of the public. This will benefit hard of hearing people who rely on lip reading.

l  Include subtitles on all audio-visual ads and promotions that your business syndicates. Few businesses do this, but those that do are highly regarded by the deaf community.

l  Always invite ASL interpreters to company events, for the benefit of hard of hearing event attendees.

Always Hire a Sign Language Translator When Recruiting

While most businesses don't need to have a sign language translator available 24/7, all businesses are legally prohibited from discriminating against deaf people when recruiting new employees.

In the past, major businesses like Wal-Mart have been fined up to $135,500, for not providing access to sign language interpreters during interviews. The good news though. is that making sign language interpreters available when recruiting new employees is easier than you might think.

At Languagers, we can equip your business with an ASL sign language interpreter for anything from a few hours to a few weeks. Even better, we can even offer fully remote sign language interpreters.

Do you need to hire a sign language translator to ensure that your business is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act? If so, find out how Languagers can help by clicking here.

 

 

How to Grow Your Business with Interpreters Available 24/7

Whether you are running a multinational business organization or thinking about expanding your services, it is always important to consider how you will communicate with your customers, partners or other people linked to your business. We are living in a global market, therefore, with greater opportunities available there are more things which you need to consider to grow your business successfully. 

To manage businesses that are growing internationally there is a higher need of having interpreters available for your business needs on a 24/7 basis. The needs are many, from formal presentations to managing international conferences to managing effective customer services; everything needs to have an interpreter to work with your business.

Who Needs Interpreters 24/7?

Most businesses can do better with foreign language support. Some of the industries that can benefit from using interpreters available 24/7 are listed as follows:

• 24/7 Chat Support and Customer Services
• Automobile
• Construction
• Financial Services
• Fashion 
• Healthcare / Urgent Care or Emergency Facilities
• Information Technology
• Legal 
• Maintenance & Repair
• Media
• Public Services and Enterprises
• Real Estate
• Security
• Travel
• Trading Companies

How to grow your business with interpreters working 24/7 

Do you want to know how it is possible for you to grow your business with interpreters working around the clock for you? Well, here we have brought some essential things which you need to know:

Interpreters come up with higher public speaking skills

Interpreters usually have higher and effective skills at public speaking which can make them a viable option for you to consider for the effective growth of your business. It is because professional and skilled interpreters not only have cultural knowledge of multiple languages that can benefit your business but also understands how to deal with the public in the best possible way.

Quality interpreters are always efficient

When it comes to professional translator then, without any doubt, you can never outlook the benefits of having quality interpretation. It is because they are not only capable of translating what others are talking about but can also deliver quality services to your clients. More so, they are also proficient and skilled to provide you perfect written work which you can easily compile. It is a well-known fact that specific business subjects need to be interpreted exact, without a fumble or mistake, and professional interpreters know how to communicate exact concepts and technical terms in a more effective way.  

A better chance to work with more consistency

For a businessperson who is regularly dealing with overseas companies or clients from multiple regions, it is highly important to have someone available 24/7 to assist you in different time zones nationwide and worldwide and provide a more accurate meaning consistently to win competition. This will help cope with emergency situations and ultimately save you from various issues. Due to their perception and different skills, interpreters usually have more speed of work as well as quality.

More time to think and proceed.

When you are having interpreters working for you 24/7 it’s can be easier for you to know what your clients are looking for or what other business parties are offering you. This can be the best look before you leap opportunity which you must consider for your business. It is because interpreters are there to listen to others carefully and then tell you what offers or concerns others are having for you. As such, this affords you enough time to think about what steps you should take to proceed with knowledge and direction. This compiling and thinking about the situation can be more beneficial to make an effective and wise business decision.

Have professional interpreting services handy

It is important to hire a language service company with a state-of-the art phone / video technology and have qualified experienced interpreters available 24/7 who have been validated for language proficiency and signed confidentiality agreement. 

We are living the age where accurate language services are important for many businesses. It is because of increased cultural diversity, easy to access technology is simplifying the ability to do business across regions. With instant global communication, it has become essential to consider having interpretation services around the clock. When it comes to growing your business in a more effective way, at present time, considering interpreters 24/7 can be your complete language solution to being more successful.

Click Here to learn more about how you can receive all of the interpreter services and support you need through high-end technology at affordable prices.

What Key Qualities Define Reputable Interpreting Agencies?

Recent years have seen the number of interpreting agencies online skyrocket. As a business, though, you owe it to yourself and your clients not to choose to work with just any agency.

In this post, we’ll look at what key things you need to consider when shortlisting interpreter agencies to work with. This includes what key things you need to look for when hiring ASL interpreters, or looking for professional document translation services. 

Do Interpreting Agencies Vet the Credentials of Interpreters?

At present, several interpreting agencies exist that offer rock-bottom rates when hiring interpreters. However, as the old saying goes, you often get what you pay for.

Companies outsource document and telephone / video interpreting to an agency who offers the best price. They do this to keep costs as low as possible. However, this means that the quality of translators and interpreters can vary considerably.

Thankfully, reputable interpretation agencies like ourselves at Languagers, only hire interpreters with verifiable credentials.

At the very least, all Language interpreters must have proven proficiency in languages they claim to be able to translate and have at least 3-years of verifiable translation industry experience.

Can You Be Sure That Interpreters Won’t Breach Client Confidentiality?

When you hire an interpreter, you need complete assurance that any conversation they interpret for you remains strictly confidential and will be HIPAA compliant. Likewise, you need a guarantee that documents provided to help interpreters understand the context of conversations remain 100% private.

Given the above, businesses hiring freelance interpreters must have interpreters sign non-disclosure agreements.

Thankfully, at Languagers, we require all of our interpreters and translators to sign strict confidentiality agreements. This is why we are regularly trusted to supply translators to government agencies, as well as several legal and healthcare industry clients.

Do Interpreter Agencies Offer Reliable Customer Support?

Is an interpreter agency you plan on using only contactable via email? If so, this should be seen as a red flag.

Hiring an interpreter or translator isn’t like hiring someone to take care of a little data entry work. In many cases, you will need to discuss your needs in detail with an agency, so that they can connect you with the best interpreter they have available.

Thankfully, at Languagers, we make it easy for all our clients to contact us via email and telephone. However, we do recommend that you send us a message outlining what kind of interpretation service you might be looking for. This way, we can start looking at the best translation solution for your project, before we follow up with a short telephone call.

Does an Interpreter Agency Offer a Wide Variety of Services?

At present, there are many different ways to get started working with an interpreter or translator. In some cases, you might need an interpreter to be physically present in your workplace for a short amount of time. In others, you might be better suited working with a translator via telephone or video.

At Languagers, we differ from other interpreter agencies by providing a full-range of interpreter and translator services tailorable to all budgets. This means that we make it just as easy to hire an in-person interpreter as we do a video ASL interpreter.

Are you unsure what the best way to hire an interpreter might be for your business? If so, reach out to one of our team today. When you do, we'll help you decide what option might be best for you, while also keeping costs to an absolute minimum.

 

What is VRI? - In-Person vs Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting Services

Sign language interpreting services have been in high-demand throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

Every day, sign language interpreters have been given the task of relaying the gravity of the Covid-19 crisis to global news audiences. However, in many cases, interpreters haven’t been physically present in newsrooms. Instead, most news studios have been making use of VRI interpreters.

What is VRI Interpreting?

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, many television newsrooms have been making use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). This is where sign language interpreters aren't physically present in television studios. Instead, they join in broadcasts via live streams from remote locations.

In business contexts, Video Remote Interpreting works the same way.

Instead of hiring a sign language interpreter to be physically present at in-person meetings, meetings take place via video conference calls. As calls take place, interpreters appear on-screen translating all spoken English to ASL and vice versa.

In the past, VRI sign language interpreters were mainly used by businesses that needed to communicate long-distance, (and usually on a one-off basis), with people with hearing impairments. However, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, VRI interpreting might be about to become more commonplace.

How Do Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting Services Work?

Do you need to hire a sign language interpreter? If so, getting started with VRI is altogether easy.

To start, simply schedule a video conference call with someone with a hearing impairment. After doing so, reach out to ourselves at Languagers.

When you let our team at Languagers know when your meeting will take place, we will identify a suitable interpreter. Our interpreter will then join you in your meeting, using whatever video conferencing tool you will be using to converse with your client.

Video Remote Interpreting Essentials

At Languagers, our VRI interpreters are some of the best in the industry. However, for virtual meetings to be a success, it is important to prepare for meetings carefully.

• Make sure that you and your client have access to a fast and reliable Internet connection.
• Before meetings, check that your computer or device camera and mic are working properly.
• Before meetings commence, make sure that you, your client, and your sign language interpreter, all know what app you will be using to video conference. (Zoom, Skype, Cisco Webex, etc.)

What Happens During a VRI Conference Call?

When it is time to start meetings with hearing-impaired clients and business associates, your VRI interpreter will be ready to start translating your spoken English to Sign Language. They will also translate sign language replies back to you in spoken English in real-time.

During meetings, you will also be able to communicate privately with your interpreter via text.

What are the Benefits of Video Remote Interpreting? 

In the past, businesses have made use of remote sign language interpreting services, when it has not been possible to meet with hearing-impaired clients or business associates in person.

Now, in 2020, Video Remote interpreting looks set to become more commonplace, as many businesses ditch physical meetings altogether in favor of video conferencing.

• Video conferencing is safer for all parties involved in meetings.
• Hiring Video Remote interpreters is usually more cost-effective than hiring interpreters who work on-site at your location.
• Unlike when hiring a sign language interpreter to work at your location, it is often possible to hire VRI interpreters the same day you need them. 

Do you often need to communicate with clients or business associates with hearing impairments? If so, do them the courtesy of having an interpreter on hand during your next conference call.

Find out more about VRI interpreting now by clicking here.

Why Using Certified Deaf Interpreters Is Important For Your Business

Doing business means dealing with all kinds of people. And when we say all kinds of people, it includes those who are hard of hearing as well. Since the very beginning of human evolution, the deaf have been a part of the community, to survive and to sustain. 

Your business can benefit tremendously from a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). It’s essential if you have deaf employees and even more crucial if you deal with deaf clients.  CDI play an amazing role in streamlining all sign languages for better understanding. 

Deaf interpreters are the best because they are insiders of deaf community and they have common shared experience and can communicate the best possible way. 

You will get great access for deaf people to have a CDI on the stage (99% of the time). It works well for your campaign, seminar, conference and political rally etc. in addition to your other events.  

In this article, we’ll focus on how certified deaf interpreters can help your business. But first, let’s get to know who these CDIs are and how they work.

 

Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI)

A CDI is a person who can interpret, translate, and transliterate. While American Sign Language (ASL) acts as the base, there are many other sign languages that play an important role in the interpretation industry. Pidgin Signed English and Signed Exact English are two of them. 

Certified Deaf Interpreters are deaf people themselves. So, they have a better and deeper understating of how the language works. They utilize sign languages, visuals and other communication forms to convey a message to the deaf and the hard of hearing.

The main role of certified interpreters is to communicate. If your business employs deaf and hard of hearing people or deals with them, it’s a must that you have a CDI to get the best out of them. 

How a CDI Operates 

Deaf interpreters would have to be teamed with a hearing sign language interpreter. This is becoming more and more common in the field.  Hearing interpreters can transform any message into ASL. Then, the role of a CDI is to interpret the ASL into a visual message that is understandable by deaf people. The CDI might use mimes, props or any other methods to communicate better. It depends on the specific condition of the receiver. 

When there was no hearing interpreter available on-site in person, a hearing sign language interpreter would interpret virtually and deaf interpreters would be the active in-person interpreter at the hospital and other facilities. (emergency, overnight, Psychotherapy, psychiatric and metal health ect)

Impact of Certified Interpreters in Your Business 

No matter what field your business specializes in, you can always benefit from a certified deaf interpreter. From a business standpoint, a CDI gives you access to a whole new community. 

Communication 

The first and most important benefit you are going to see is the improvement in communication. Communication sits at the core of any business. You have to communicate with your employees. You have to communicate with your clients. You have to communicate with people in general. 

Having a certified deaf interpreter allows you to communicate more efficiently with your existing and potential employees and clients. You can also attract new customers and clients because the CDI can communicate with the community on behalf of your business.

 

Efficiency

 

Efficiency is one of the most important aspects of any business. The goal is to do as much as possible in the least possible time. The more efficient a business can become, the more potential profit there is. 

Deaf interpreters can help you achieve efficiency in your respective field. Certified deaf interpreters are trained enough to fill in the gaps in each discussion to convey the message in its best form. It’s very important for all the individuals to be on the same page for a business to be efficient and successful in the long run.

 

New Insights 

Having new insights is always great for business. But how do you expect to gather valuable insights if you don’t understand what an individual is trying to say? It’s especially true for deaf individuals who are part of your business. 

A certified deaf interpreter can help you in this regard. His/her primary job is to work is the medium between you and your deaf employees and clients. A CDI will effectively deliver your message to the individual and vice versa. As a result, you will get better ideas and perspectives that you thought never existed. 

New Possibilities 

Having certified deaf interpreters (CDI) means you have a way to communicate with the deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. The community has a different approach toward how to view the world. It can be an amazing opportunity for you to expand your business. The possibilities are endless. 

Takeaway 

The deaf are part of our society. They have played a significant role in our economy as well. Now, more and more deaf and HOH people are getting involved in businesses, and having them has become the norm. 

CDIs are highly trained in their field they can add value to your business in ways beyond your imagination. So, it’s time for you to realize the importance and get your business a certified deaf interpreter.  Hire Deaf Interpreters at Languagers Website for your campaign, seminar, conference, political rally, dr's appointments, webinar, workshop, online classes, events and web conferencing, etc.

5 Tips When Hiring American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is a highly educated person. They can convey a spoken language into American sign language and vice versa. An ASL interpreter must speak at least one native language and have a full understanding of ASL signage, which includes body language and fingerspelling communication.

American Sign Language interpreters get hired when someone needs to speak to a deaf person, or when a deaf person needs to talk to a hearing person. Even if the deaf person and the hearing person know the same written language, the deaf person cannot speak words clearly like a hearing person. 

Sure, a deaf person could write down their words for the hearing person to read, but that isn’t always an option.  What if they need to speak to each other on the phone on on-site? Better yet, what if they need to have a video conference on the internet? Typing on a keyboard or tapping virtual keys on the phone does not convey communication fast enough. That is why ASL interpreters are needed. 

ASL interpreters can convey the verbal and signage communication between a hearing person and a deaf person very quickly. The service can be performed on-site, on the phone, or in a video conference call on a computer or mobile device. 

Here are the five essential tips to follow to ensure that you hire a qualified ASL interpreter:

1) Education

Their minimum education requirement must be a Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language from an accredited college or university. But to ensure that you have a skilled ASL interpreter, they should also possess certification in ASL too. 

National Association of the Deaf is one of the organizations that awards ASL certifications. An interpreter with his certification has proven to have competence as an interpreter of sign language and spoken language. 

2) Experience

The ASL interpreter must have experience. Their linguistic and cognitive skills in English and American Sign Language need to be flawless. As ASL interpreters, they don’t need to convey written communication. They only deal with verbal and signage communication. If they have at least five years of experience on their resume, then they should do a great job. 

3) Specializations

An ASL interpreter may know how to convey standard conversations in English and American Sign Language, but that doesn’t mean they know specific terminology of a particular industry. 

For example, you may need an ASL interpreter who specializes in government, legal, business, education, medical, insurance, or healthcare terminologies. If that’s the case, then you must screen your applicants carefully to find an ASL interpreter who knows the terminology that you need to convey.  

4) Check the Time Zones

American Sign Language interpreters may come from different time zones than you. If you need to schedule a conference call at a particular time that is convenient for you, then you need to make sure your ASL interpreter is close to your time zone. They may agree to be flexible with their schedule if you need a late or early morning session. 

In most cases, there should always be an ASL interpreter available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. You just need to find a company that has several ASL interpreters on standby throughout the day and night.  

5) Reputation

The best American Sign Language interpreters work for reputable companies and service providers with vast network of interpreters throughout the U.S. They always have a certified ASL available online to assist people in their video or phone conversations. Not only do they possess terminology proficiency in various industries, but they’ve all signed confidentiality agreements as well. Therefore, interpreted conversations will remain private afterward!

Check out Languagers Website for more information.