How to Hire a Sign Language Interpreter for Your Business

Consider the most successful businesses in the market—they champion inclusivity and ensure accommodations for all, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. However, organizations of any size can foster equal access to services by bringing on an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Although hiring sign language interpreters for the Deaf typically involves several stages—such as assessing your needs, identifying candidates, and conducting interviews—you can simplify these tasks by partnering with a professional interpreting agency. Let’s explore the steps involved in hiring an ASL interpreter and how working with an agency can make the entire experience seamless.

Rockville, MD, companies committed to equal access should look to HIS Sign Interpreting for their ASL interpreting needs. Choosing HIS Sign ensures your message is accurately conveyed; in other words, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals are included in the conversation. Moreover, by working with an agency like HIS Sign, you benefit from a team of interpreters, allowing for flexibility and availability that a single staff interpreter may be unable to provide. For more information on our ASL services, call us at (877) 458-7408.

Below, we outline the necessary steps to identifying and hiring an ASL interpreter for your company:

Assess Your Needs

First, determine your needs. Doing so involves detailing the frequency and extent you’ll employ interpretation services (for example, for yearly events, weekly meetings, or everyday interactions). Consider the skills and qualifications required for the job, such as fluency in ASL and experience working in a professional setting. Nailing these specifics will support your search for an appropriate ASL solution.

Find Qualified Candidates

Next, organizations hiring an independent interpreter must post job listings online or attend job fairs that target individuals in or auxiliary to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. This approach demands considerable time and effort to identify and evaluate potential candidates.

However, you can streamline this process by partnering with a sign language interpreting agency. The agency handles all the outreach and vetting for you, connecting you directly with qualified freelance interpreters who have already been thoroughly screened to meet your specific needs.

Conduct Interviews

Once you’ve identified potential candidates, the next step is to interview and evaluate their skills and experience. Inquire about their interpreting background, knowledge of ASL grammar and syntax, and familiarity with the specific industry terminology. Seek an interpreter who not only has technical proficiency but also understands the communication nuances within your business environment. 

Collaborating with a sign language interpreting agency can also significantly expedite this phase. Leveraging the agency’s established network and expertise allows you to quickly connect with highly qualified interpreters, reducing the time needed for evaluation and hiring.

Provide Training and Support

Once you’ve selected an interpreter, provide them with the necessary training and support to ensure they’re set up for success. Familiarize them with your company’s policies and procedures, introduce them to key staff members, and provide ongoing feedback on their performance. Interpreters connected to a reputable agency often come with experience in your industry, which can help them integrate more smoothly into your environment. 

Foster an Inclusive Environment

Hiring a sign language interpreter is just one step toward creating an inclusive environment for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Ensure all employees are trained to work effectively with interpreters and communicate respectfully with individuals who use ASL. Display signage indicating interpretation services are available for customers in need. 

Alternatively, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services offer an invaluable method to accommodate Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people. If your sign language interpreter is provided by an agency, that same agency can also assist in arranging CART services, further simplifying accessibility for your company.

Hire Interpreters for the Deaf Near Me in Rockville, MD

Inclusivity benefits not only Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals but all stakeholders. Indeed, hiring a sign language interpreter for the Deaf from a qualified agency can help bridge the communication gap and ensure everyone has equal access to your services. Rockville, MD, companies can look to a sign language interpreting agency like HIS Sign to host ASL-friendly conferences, events, and other functions. Speak to a HIS Sign representative today at (877) 458-7408.