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Step 1
If you have never contracted an interpreter before, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is a good place to start. The national directory can be found at is www.rid.org. Look on the left side in a purple box for [Find an Interpreter/Member]. For the widest net, enter your local area code, choose "Certified" under Category and set the Freelance Status to "Yes". Alternatively, your state may provide a directory--see links below.
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Step 2
If your search is successful, a list of names will appear. Most interpreters advertise their contact information, and some even have websites where you can view their terms. Click on the first names to view the records and gather e-mail addresses. If your list is too short, clear the "Certified" option to include Associate members.
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Step 3
The more logistics you include in the request, the fewer follow-up questions you will have to field later. You may choose to develop your own request template, or compose an e-mail with the following:
<> Your name, title, and contact information
<> Event date(s), start and end times
<> Physical address and room number
<> Special instructions for subway, parking and security
<> Onsite contact and phone (wireless if offsite)
<> Deaf participant(s) language preference: American Sign Language, Pidgin Signed English (mixture of ASL and English), or Sign Supported Speech (primarily mouth movements accompanied by signs)
<> Description of the setting and event (include website or agenda documents)
<> Billing name and contact information
<> Special considerations for invoice format, or payment via credit card
Eventually, you will need to provide the name and wireless contact for the Deaf participant. If there is a possible conflict of interest, an interpreter may ask for this information first before confirming the assignment. In a tight-knit community, this is routine and should not be taken as negative. -
Step 4
You might verify the reputation and credentials of an interpreter before you confirm them on an assignment. The RID database is current within one business day, and any professional interpreter should be able to provide names of satisfied clients for your inquiry. Also, it is best practices to get a price quote. If you don't have a feel for local market rates, get two or three to compare. Remember, you can always negotiate.
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Step 5
Databases are a limited window into a local freelance landscape, and the best resource for finding great people is personal referrals. When you find interpreters you like, ask them to recommend their colleagues. You never know who has recently moved, become certified, or opened up a private practice. Eventually, you will develop a custom list of people whom you trust and know your shop well.
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Step 6
If you are hosting a large event, you may not be able to devote the administrative attention to book and pay several interpreters. Just ask a freelancer to coordinate the entire schedule for an additional fee, and they will subcontract their colleagues--one invoice for you to process, and you benefit from savvy private practitioners at your event. Get everyone's business card, and grow your Rolodex for next time.
