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There are certifications and different types of sign language interpreters. Deaf Interpreters and hearing interpreters all play a vital role in an effective communication process.
What is a Sign Language Interpreter?
An interpreter may be requested when two or more people, or groups, do not share a common language in order to communicate with each other. Qualified interpreters possess formal training, sophisticated language fluency, and are familiar with communication norms across a broad range of settings.
What is a Deaf Interpreter?
At times, the services of a Deaf Interpreter may be required in order to meet the communication needs of the parties involved in a particular setting. A Deaf Interpreter is a native signer, possesses training and is a recognized member of the Deaf Community. A Deaf Interpreter/s can be used in various settings and is an integral part of the interpreting team.
What is an Oral Interpreter?
In addition to Sign Language Interpreters, some Deaf and Hard of Hearing people may lip or speech read and require the services of an Oral Interpreter, whose role is identical to that of a Sign Language Interpreter.
Why hire an ASLIA Member?
The field of sign language interpreting is unregulated. This can lead to many misunderstandings and misrepresentations when defining what is a sign language interpreter compared to someone who knows sign language. As ASLIA and CASLI members, professional sign language interpreters are:
required to comply to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct
can be held accountable for their actions through the CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct
graduated from a CASLI-recognized Interpreter Education Program
This is in place for quality assurance and protection of those (Deaf and non-deaf) who receive interpreting services.
What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreting?
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is where the interpreter is located in a separate location than one or more of the other participants. The participants of the meeting will connect via a videoconferencing platform, such as Zoom, Teams, or Skype.
Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreting is a telecommunication service. In Canada, it is regulated by the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The service was not designed for appointments that are lengthy or complex in nature, such as staff meetings, legal processes such as an Examination for Discovery, or a family consultation at a hospital regarding a loved one and end of life care. Based on the legislation, VRS cannot be used when two people who need an interpreter are in the same room.
What is the difference between a professional interpreter and Certified Interpreter?
All members of ASLIA have completed the necessary training to provide sign language interpreting services. Interpreters in Canada previously had the option of achieving their Certificate of Interpretation (COI) through the national organization, Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI). In Canada, the COI is no longer available to obtain, and not a requirement for members to work as an interpreter.
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