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INTERPRETER SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING LOSS

Interpreter services may be provided to consumers with hearing loss when the person is:

1. unable to communicate with the counselor, and/or
1. unable to participate in a program of services without the aid of an interpreter.

Since the need for interpreting services may vary according to consumers and circumstances, consumers should be given options in selecting the most qualified and appropriate interpreter. Interpreters with National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level III, IV, V certification should be used. The nature of the job assignment should be considered when selecting an interpreter.

Confidentiality and adherence to the RID or NAD Code of Ethics should be required of interpreters throughout the rehabilitation process. Whenever possible, arrange for consumers and interpreters to meet before the scheduled appointment to assure clear communication. To locate interpreters, refer to the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreter Directory, or contact the local Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD) or the Department’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) Branch.

Interpreter fees vary according to type of assignment and interpreter’s certification (refer to the Department Fee Schedule). Organizations that should pay for interpreters in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act include but are not limited to Social Security Administration, courts, hospitals, and other state agencies.

CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certificate) - Holders of the full certificate have demonstrated the ability to interpret American Sign Language and spoken English and to transliterate between spoken English and a signed code for English. The CI and CT is the replacement for the CSC. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of interpreting and transliterating assignments.

CI (Certificate of Interpretation) - Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Interpretation and have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English in both sign to voice and voice to sign. The interpreter’s ability to transliterate is not considered in this classification. Holders of the CI are recommended for a broad range of interpreting assignments.

CT (Certificate of Transliteration) - Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Transliteration and have demonstrated the ability to transliterate between signed English and spoken English in both sign to voice and voice to sign. The transliterator’s ability to interpret is not considered in this certification. Holders of the CT are recommended for a broad range of transliteration assignments.

CI and CT (Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration) - Holders of both full certificates have demonstrated competence in both interpretation and transliteration and have the same flexibility of job acceptance as holders of CSC (see above). Holders of the CI and CT are recommended for a broad range of interpretation and transliteration skills.

RSC (Reverse Skills Certificate) - Holders of this full certificate demonstrated the ability to interpret American Sign Language and signed English or transliterate between English and a signed code for English. Holder of this certificate are deaf or hard of hearing and interpretation/transliteration is rendered in American Sign Language, spoken English, a signed code for or written English. The CDI (in development - see below) is designed to replace the RSC which is no longer offered. Holders of the RSC are recommended for a broad range of assignments where the use of an interpreter who is deaf or hard of hearing would be beneficial.

CDI-P (Certified Deaf Interpreter - Provisional) - Holders of this provisional certification are interpreters who are deaf or hard of hearing, who have demonstrated a minimum of one year experience working as an interpreter, and completion of at least 8 hours of training on the RID Code of Ethics. They must complete 8 hours of training in general interpretation as it relates to the interpreter who is deaf or hard of hearing. Provisional certification is valid until one year after the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) examination (in development) is made available. Provisional certificate holders must take and pass the CDI in order to remain certified as a Deaf Interpreter. Holders of the provisional certification are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is deaf or hard of hearing would be beneficial.

 

1. Description of the National Association of the Deaf Interpreters Certification Level

Level V (Master) - The Level V Certification indicates that the interpreter is a master interpreter. The interpreter very rarely demonstrates difficulty in any interpreting situation.

Level IV (Advanced) - The Level IV Certification indicates that the interpreter is an advanced interpreter. The interpreter does very well in voice-to-sign. The interpreter demonstrates little difficulty in sign-to-voice. The interpreter may demonstrate oddities in sign style, choice of signs used; however, the interpreter demonstrates the skill necessary for just about any interpreting situation.

Level III (Generalist) - The Level III Certification indicates that the interpreter is a generalist interpreter. The interpreter is one who shows a good sign vocabulary but may have some problems in sign-to-voice.

Attaining a Level I (Novice) or Level II (Intermediate) does not qualify an interpreter for certification under the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Interpreter Assessment Program.