Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring An Interpreter
Whether you are training a new manager, preparing for a deposition, scheduling a medical appointment, sponsoring an event, or looking to employ the local and talented Deaf community, everyone benefits from clear communication. Communication access is not only ethical and friendly, in many cases it is mandated by law.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law in 1990, covered entities are required to provide aids and services to communicate effectively.
People who use American Sign Language (ASL) use a language distinct from written or spoken English and are entitled to language access. The right to language access is grounded in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This right was further defined in the 1974 Supreme Court case Lau v. Nichols. A Framework for Language Access further explores the legal climate surrounding the hiring of interpreters for people who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
American Sign Language (ASL) is a language distinct from spoken or written English and includes systems and grammar with associated cultural rules and nuances.
While notes may be sufficient for exchanging pleasantries, more nuanced language is needed when the information communicated is more extensive or complex. Interpreters help to bridge the gap in communication and provide more effective outcomes for all participants.
We are a network of interpreters in private practice and each interpreter sets rates individually.
Due to the more demanding nature of certain assignments, rates will be negotiated at the time of the request.
Time of day (or night), geography, training, experience, taking into account specialized skills needed, and consideration for the type of request are some of the elements that may influence rates. Certain assignments are more demanding in nature and must be factored when providing a quote for services.
Assignments over two hours long generally require a second interpreter.
Please contact us with the specifics of your request for a customized quote.
By hiring interpreters in private practice, you will not be charged the administrative fees associated with working through a referral agency.
If you are a medical facility or practitioner, we encourage you to explore the Tax Incentives Packet on the ADA.
To request services, please complete the online request form on our website.
If your request is less than 2 business days from now, please call 904-792-8106.
Questions About Interpreters
A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf person who is certified as an interpreter with specialized training and experience.
A Certified Hearing Interpreter (CHI) is a person who is able to hear (commonly called a “hearing person”) who is certified to interpret between signed and spoken language.
While most interpreters do not yet self-identify as CHI, it is a term with growing popularity in our field used to distinguish an interpreter who is able to hear from an interpreter who is Deaf.The North Carolina Department of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has an excellent resource to answer this question. You can read their publication at this link.
Additional information can be found here.
The Kissfist interpreter network includes both CHIs (Certified Hearing Interpreters) and CDIs (Certified Deaf Interpreters).The ADA defines “qualified” as “ . . . someone who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, [ . . . both receptively and expressively. . . ] using any necessary specialized vocabulary.”
A “certified” interpreter is someone who has passed an exam demonstrating skill in two distinct languages. These exams can be administered by a recognized governmental or professional organization. You can read more in this article.
Our field has a national certifying body that lists our credentials on its website.Interpreters work with spoken (or signed) languages and provide immediate results where the communication is in real time.
Translators work from a recorded (or written) document and spend more time cross referencing and verifying information before producing a final product.
You can read more in this article.Questions About Sign Language and Deaf People
Many people self-identify as Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, or Deaf-Disabled. If you want to know how to refer to someone, ask that person.
Hearing Impaired is a term associated with inability and is often viewed with negativity. Best practice is not to default to the use of Hearing Impaired, but rather to ask the person in question what that person’s preferences are.
We highly recommend you hire a Deaf instructor to teach you American Sign Language (ASL). Native language users make the best language models, and the necessity of using the language in order to communicate with your instructor will increase your learning potential. We are happy to provide referrals upon request.
The internet also has many free resources including lifeprint.com, Atomic Hands, Gallaudet University, and more! Remember to look for Deaf language models to maximize your learning potential! We also encourage you to look for volunteer opportunities in your local schools or Deaf clubs.
If you have had one or two classes in sign language, you are NOT ready to be an interpreter.
Knowing a language fluently and with the proficiency needed to provide interpreting services can take an average of 7 years. You can find more information in this article.
Questions About Kissfist
Our logo is Deaf-designed and from the Kissfist Shop.
We are pleased to work alongside Deaf community members and support the Deaf Ecosystem.
Our website is designed by Charm City Digital.
As professionals in private practice, we are delighted to support other privately owned businesses.
Kissfist interpreters work with standardized American Sign Language (ASL), non-standardized sign language,* and spoken English providing interpreting services and communication access across a range of settings including:
- Medical, healthcare, and end of life
- Legal
- Business and professional
- Academic and educational
- Community and personal
- Theatrical and performance
Services are available both in-person and remotely. We also offer travel interpreting, and if you don’t see your specialty listed, just ask!
*services for users of non-standardized sign language often require the use of a Deaf InterpreterYes, we understand that communication needs can arise without warning. Please contact us as soon as you are aware of the need for communication access, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
If your request is less than 2 business days from now, please call 904-792-8106.
We are NOT an agency. We are a network of interpreters in private practice.
Kissfist provides hiring entities instant access to a network of qualified interpreters through one easy to use website and at no additional fees, which is a networking service that incurs an administrative fee when working with a traditional referral agency.
You may find that multiple interpreters respond to your request for service giving you the opportunity to speak directly to a variety of service providers and to choose the best fit for your company and for your customer.
The Kissfist network is headquartered in St. Augustine, FL with services throughout northeast Florida and also the DMV.
Although we are primarily located in northeast Florida and Washington, DC, our network spans the country. If you are located outside of the regions listed, just ask!
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tina@kissfistllc.com or 904-792-8106. We’re here to help ensure full communication access for all.
