How to Write Terms & Conditions for Sign Language Interpreting

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By anneleahy
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If you want to accept private practice work as a professional sign language interpreter, you need a simple, 1-page document which explains your fees and services to your clients.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Title your 1-page document "Terms and Conditions", "Rates and Fees", "Rate Sheet", or something you are comfortable with. First, thank the reader for requesting or downloading your information for their files.
Step 2

Include complete contact information and reference your credentials, Employer Identification Number or DUNS Number. Spell out industry jargon like CI or RID.
Step 3

Clearly and concisely outline your rates, differentials for premium services, additional charges for short notice, travel, or fees for subcontracting other interpreters, the payment methods and due dates (usually Net 30, or thirty days from receipt of the invoice). Indicate whether you accept payment via credit card.
Step 4

Save the one-page document in an accessible text-based format for screen readers, such as Microsoft Word, as well as read-only such as Adobe PDF. Publish the terms on your website, but do not repeat information already contained in the header, footer, or navigation pane of the page.

Tips & Warnings

A simple logo pulls your portfolio together into a coherent suite of documents: terms & conditions, invoices, business cards, and of course your website. It could be as simple as your initials in a classy font, or as complicated as a vector graphic.
A brief motto or mission statement can also be a cohesive thread instead of using a graphic.
Many people who were raised in the Deaf community consider advertising oneself a "CODA" as bad form. The term is insider jargon, and is not proof of native proficiency in American Sign Language. If you want to tip clients to your pedigree, include a "Memberships" section to list your affiliated organizations.

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