ILRC Communication Assistance Services Page

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE (CA)

Interpreting is the process of translating information from one language into another language.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETIING bridges the communication gap between persons with hearing disabilities who utilize manual communication and those who do not, or when direct communication is not satisfactory. Sign language is a visual and gestural language different from the English language. Combining manual symbols (signs) which convey concepts, and fingerspelling (lettershapes), sign language is used by many hearing impaired persons as their primary mode of communication. American Sign Language (ASL) is the language of choice of the Deaf Community.

ORAL INTERPRETIING provides a communication option to persons with hearing dis-abilities who rely on speech and speech-reading for communication. The oral interpreter presents the spoken message in a non-audible way which is clear and easy to speech-read.

TACTILE INTERPRETIING provides individuals who are both deaf and blind with access to information in signed language through touch.

USING AN INTERPRETER

INTERPRETERS are professionals who are specially trained to facilitate communication situations. They convey the exact content and tone of any message. Transmitting all information heard, voicing any signs or utterances from the hearing impaired consumers, interpreters do not edit, withhold or retain any situational information. Therefore, when using an interpreter, communicators look at, and speak directly to each other; not to the interpreter.. Interpreters follow the Code of Ethics developed by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

When a written account of communiction is desired for use during or after a given situation, NOTETAKING is available as a separate supportive service, or in a situation where an individual is utilizing one of the above services and cannot therefore take notes.

DOCUMENT TRANSLATION/TRANSCRIPTION

Upon request, Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) CA staff assist with written communication and with. the understanding of documents related to activities of daily living, such as employment, housing, social security notices, etc..

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) OF 1990 stipulates that public and private agencies, as well as individuals, are responsible for providing equal access to available programs and services for persons with disabilities.

This not only means the restructuring of buildings for wheelchair accessibility but the provision of a qualified interpreter to insure appropriate and adequate communication, and thereby access to programmatic contents.

HOW TO HIRE AN INTERPRETER OR NOTETIAKER

The CA department of the ILRC maintains a registry of qualified interpreters and notetakers. Anyone may request interpreting or notetaking services by contacting that department with the date(s) and time(s) of the needed services the location and a brief description of the situation. Except for emergencies all requests should be made at least 72 hours (three business days) prior to the assignment time. In order to avoid incurring charges, 24 hours (one full business day) notice is required for cancellations or changes.

FEES FOR SERVICE*

Interpreting $50.00 per hour

Notetaking $25.00 per hour

*Fees for legal, emergency and other specialized situations vary.

Mileage charged at governmental travel allowance rate (32.5~ per mile).

Other Services to Persons who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

ADVOCACY

Individuals who experience discrimination in employment communication or denial of access to social services, housing rentals or public facilities are provided with assistance.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

Current information regarding deafness; available services and equipment such as Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) and signaling devices; and consumer rights of persons with hearing disabilities is available. When a needed service is not available through the ILRC, referral is made to other appropriate community resources.

TRAINING

The ILRC offers training in the use of the Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TTYs/TDDs), ALDs and a variety of signaling devices.