On Site Interpreter
What is On Site Interpreting?
On site interpreting is the practice of facilitating communication between speakers of different languages in person. This method of interpreting is done in person, or face to face, where the interpreter is physically in the room with you. On site interpreting is useful for situations such as medical appointments, legal proceedings, and business meetings where accurate and efficient communication is crucial.
Learn about other types of interpreting.
When is On Site Interpreting preferred?
Every situation is different, but here are some of the reasons you may want to consider having an interpreter face to face:
- In-person interpreting is preferred in situations where accurate communication is critical, such as medical appointments, legal proceedings, and business meetings.
- It allows for face-to-face interaction, which can help establish trust and build rapport between the parties involved.
- Additionally, in-person interpreting can provide visual cues and context, aiding in understanding and preventing miscommunication.
- However, in-person interpreting can be more costly and time-consuming than other forms of interpreting and may not always be feasible, particularly in remote or urgent situations.
When to use an On Site Interpreter
- Medical appointments
- Legal proceedings
- Business meetings
- Conferences and conventions
- Educational settings, such as schools and universities
- Government agencies, such as immigration offices or social services
- Community events, such as town hall meetings or cultural festivals
On-Site Interpreting Need an Interpreter?
Submit this form and a member of our team will get back to you about your organization's needs.
What languages do we offer with On Site Interpreting?
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On-Site Interpreting Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Legally Required to Hire an Interpreter?
The Americans With Disabilities Act, ADA, requires all places of public accommodation to provide Sign Language Interpreters to persons who are Deaf at no cost to them.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires many places to supply meaningful access to limited English proficient, LEP, people.
There are several other laws and regulations that pertain to Interpreters and their certifications. Please call us for guidance at: 586-778-4188.
Why can't someone just read lips?
60% of English is formed in the back of the mouth or in the throat. 40% of the English language is formed on the lips and 20% of that 40% looks exactly the same. (Say the word “olive” and the word “love”, when you said them did it “feel” the same?)
Lip reading is a guessing game that many people are just really good at.
Why Can't I just use Paper & Pen?
Even in the case of a Deaf person, English may not be their first language. Sign Language, which is a visual language and has its own grammar rules and syntax and is very different from English, so using English to communicate with a Deaf person may not be effective.
The ADA states that if a Deaf person requests an Interpreter, you must provide one. In many instances, an Interpreter will make an exchange happen quicker saving time and money allowing you to move on to other clients.
Why Can't I Use a Family Member as an Interpreter?
A family member may not have the special training or mandatory certification requirements necessary to be an Interpreter. They also may not be able to separate themselves emotionally from the situation to be an effective Interpreter and allow the person to make appropriate decisions for themselves or to have a “voice” in decisions about themselves.
It is never appropriate to use a child or a person under 18 as an Interpreter. Putting that amount of responsibility and pressure on a child, not to mention that they are not legally an adult, is inappropriate.
Is Providing an Interpreter a HIPAA Violation?
No. HIPAA has a provision for Interpreters to receive protected health information as a Business Associate. Sharing information with an Interpreter or an Agency that has signed such an agreement on behalf of their Interpreters and themselves is not a violation of HIPAA.
Additionally, Interpreters abide by a Code of Professional Conduct abiding by a strict confidentiality clause. Another reason friends and family would not make good Interpreters for your facility.
Who is responsible to pay for the Interpreter?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the places of public accommodation are responsible in all cases and in The Civil Rights Act Title VI, places of public accommodation are responsible to pay for the Interpreters in most cases.
If you question whether or not you must pay for services, please call us at: 586-778-4188.
Are Interpreting Services Tax Deductible?
Yes. Please consult your tax professional for details.
What is the Role of an Interpreter?
An Interpreter is a communication tool. To maintain the trust of all parties, so that everyone understands that what an Interpreter is saying is truly that of the other person only and not the Interpreter, it is important the Interpreter maintain their role.
It is appropriate for an Interpreter to interject cultural information as appropriate to aid understanding. It may even be appropriate for an Interpreter to assist in advocating for services, if they have the proper training and it is necessary and it has been requested of them to do so.
Why Do I Need an Interpreter?
Interpreters, both Sign and Foreign Language, are professionals, bound by Codes of Professional Conduct. They are trained in Interpretation and ethical scenarios and have no bias in the situation in which they are interpreting. Using family or friends may create bias or infringe upon privacy. There are several reasons to use on-site, face-to-face interpreting, including, but not limited to:
- End of Life
- Birth
- Intensive Care Unit care
- Mental Health situations
- Visual Impairment
- New patients
- Extensive diagnostic testing (MRI, CT, X-Ray, etc.)
- Various legal & educational situations
- Poor or low internet connectivity
How do I hire an On-Site Interpreter?
Global Interpreting Services and your organization begin an agreement. Our talented service staff schedules and confirms your interpreter for the appointment type, day, and time needed.
To begin on-site arrangements, please call us at: 586-778-4188 or contact sales@myterps.com.
"Our hospital has been working with Global Interpreting Services as one of our sign language providers for the past few years. Their interpreters have been wonderful..."
Josh Koehn
McLaren Hospital
"We used Global Interpreting Services for some of our Sunday worship services. The interpreter was reliable, good at her job, and very helpful when congregants or myself were communicating with the deaf parishioners."
Michael H.
Immanuel Lutheran Church