Client FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions


Q: "Medical Based Example: (Applies To All Scenarios)  
"Is A Physicians's Office Required To Provide An Interpreter?"

A: "The Short Answer Is, Yes.  It Is A Federal Law.
This Is Covered Under The Title III Of The (ADA) Americans With Disability Acts Law. It Is A Requirement To Provide An Interpreter For Best Communications."

* If You Have Any Questions and Would Like To Use Our Services, Please contact us. We are happy to help!
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Why use Sign Shares?
  • Sign Shares can be trusted to provide consistent, quality services and to do so cost effectively. Our reputation and standards, established over 30 years is a testimony to our commitment, quality of life, and community. Resources are continuously monitored as individual service providers enter the market and mature professionally. Standardizing business protocol, sharing the cost of service provision and personnel among a number of entities. Sign Shares reduces cost, billing for services only when the need for communication is essential. 
What is the Law?
  • If you are an America based entity education is the key to learning the laws we have within the United States that are created to protect our disabled citizens. The first law is known as: (ADA) The American With Disabilities Act law. This a federal law protects those who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to have the same language access benefits as those who are foreign/hearing, and require an interpreter to communicate on their behalf in order for all communications to be understood. Remember, considering the circumstances, communications is a fundamental right. Imagine in a medical setting when the situation may be a life threatening. We are fortunate to have wonderful opportunities within the U.S.A. and language access is one of them. Other countries have different laws. We continue to learn from our international contributors.

 
  • The next law which protects the language access communication rights is designated for those that need a Reasonable Accommodation, whether an employee, a student, or a person that wishes to receive services at a company establishment who is Foreign/Hearing and requires interpretations, or physical accommodations. This act is known as The Reasonable Accommodations Act. There are two pieces of national civil rights Legislation which mandate equal services for persons who have a disability. The first is the Rehabilitation Act of 1978 which mandated "reasonable accommodation" to include all persons known to have a disability in federally funded programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, public schools and various government entities. The second is the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by President Bush in 1990. This Act expanded the law to include all non religious entities here in the United States.
can I use a family member or a friend To interpret?
  • No, it is part of the laws within the Americans’ With Disabilities Act. It is also best not to have a biased person who can misconstrue the message an ultimately may place opinions in a person’s message.  For example: A hearing child should never be placed in an interpreting situation for a family member. An interpreter must be certified, unattached emotionally to the individually requiring interpreting. It is psychologically unfair for the child or any family member.
  • Astonishing to know, Early Intervention studies show that family members rarely possess sufficient skills for effective communication to take place. Even if they are skilled enough to communicate, family members and friends are often too emotionally involved to interpret between two or more other individuals "effectively, accurately and impartially", and using family members or a friend in place of a professional can cause problems in meeting confidentiality criteria. Finally, it would be extremely difficult to "qualify" a family member as is required by law.
  • In many situations, family members involvement, along with professional services, may be most advantageous as family members may be helpful in providing additional information, support and in assisting with decisions which can not be the role of the professional interpreter. However, children should never be placed in a situation where they are interpreting for parents or otherwise taking on the responsibilities of adult communication.
What exactly does Sign Shares provide?
  • Coordination and management of communication access services. Persons who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing depend on forms of visual communications. Sign Shares provides personnel qualified to take spoken or written language (usually English) and provide an equivalent message in a visual format be it speech reading, text for ease of written communication, or signed language communications. For those that are hearing and need foreign spoken language interpreting, we proudly serve as well. There are many forms to this type of interpreting as well. We usually travel to and from locations where our clients conduct business or services. Sign Shares personnel bridge the gap communications between persons who can (hear and speak) and (persons who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing), visa versa.
WHO IS THE CLIENT?
  • Most people think that our clients are the individuals who are requiring an interpreter (language access needs), but in actuality, our Client, or customer, is the entity who actually purchases the services. Ultimately, the entity whose interests we serve. Anyone walking into an entity establishment and wishes to partake in the companies, venue, services has the right under, the American With Disabilities Act, to communication access.  
  • Our Client could be the hospital or clinic, government agency, the court, the employer, college or university. At times, our Client may be an individual who purchases services for a religious or personal event. Most often, our Client is the entity responsible, by law, to provide “reasonable” accommodation.
  • The individuals who are actually involved in the specific event, those who utilize the interpreter, reporter, or note taker, are generally not our clients. As critical as they are, whom we ultimately consider in selecting the appropriate personnel. Communications between a doctor, nurse, and a patient, teacher and students, an employer and employees, seminar leaders and participants, lecturer and audience, these are our 'Client’s'.  Client's customers, patients, employees, faculty and students, generally are considered 'Consumers'.
  • Services are targeted to the needs of ‘Client’ entities (those responsible for providing an interpreter) with persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and/or Foreign Spoken hearing in need of language access.
PROPER ETIQUETTE DEFINED:
  • Deaf - Big "D" deaf identifies persons who are a part of the cultural Deaf Community and who use, mostly, ASL American Sign Language. Little "d" deaf is a medical term generally referring to anyone who is not able to hear.
  • Hard of Hearing - Those who have some residual hearing but whose deafness has caused difficulty in daily living in a latter stage in their life. Some Hard of Hearing people were not born Deaf.
  • Deaf/Blind - Deaf/blindness is sometimes known as 'dual sensory impairment' or 'multi-sensory impairment' and is more than a combination of visual and hearing-impairments. Deaf/Blind people may not be totally Deaf nor totally Blind. Many people who are Deaf and Blind have some remaining hearing and vision. Some, though, have nearly complete loss of both senses. Communication may be by close vision or tactile.
  • Hearing/Spoken Language – Those of different cultures who are hearing, but whose native tongues are not the main source of language, mainly English, used by our Clients. Never assume everyone knows English.
Who are direct service providers?
  • Interpreter - An individual fluent in two languages who is qualified to interpret between languages and who follows a professional code of ethics.
  • Transliterator - An individual who is qualified to transliterate between a spoken, signed or written language and simultaneously or consecutively coding the message into another form of the same language. Usually, between spoken English and an English based sign system or speech reading but also, transliterate spoken English to text.

    Intermediary:
  • 1.) A person certified by the RID, Inc. or BEI as an intermediary to interpret between American Sign Language and English based sign language.
  • 2.) A person who works assisting an interpreter and whose specialty is in a foreign sign language or communicating with persons who have limited or very individualized communication.
  • Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) - An interpreter who is deaf working with qualified interpreters who interpret spoken messages to ASL, receive the ASL message interpreting into a form of communication more understandable to consumers. The sign or gesture communications provided by consumers are then signed in ASL, back to the qualified interpreter who then provides a spoken English or Spanish interpretation.
  • 3.) Qualified: A qualified interpreter is one "who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary." An individual does not have to be certified in order to meet this standard. Check your state. In Texas we recognize Qualified Interpreters.
    ADA Laws also recognizes Qualified Interpreters.
              …What do they do?
  • Interpreting - Taking spoken, signed or written language and simultaneously or consecutively translating into another language. Sign Shares services include interpreting between American Sign Language, English and/or Spanish. Special requests could involve identification of persons qualified to interpret between any of a multitude of foreign Sign languages.
  • Transliteration - Taking spoken, signed or written language and simultaneously or consecutively coding the message into another form of the same language. Usually, between spoken English and English based sign language or speech reading but also to include spoken English to text.
  • Communication Access Real - Time Translation (C.A.R.T.) - Communication Access Real-time Translation is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text using a steno type machine, notebook computer and real-time software. The text appears on a computer monitor or other display. This technology is primarily used by people who are hearing-impaired or who are learning English as a second language.
  • Note Taking - Generally, communication for a person who is deaf, deaf blind or hard of hearing is by visual or tactile means. Is impossible for a person whose communication requires visual or tactile focus to take notes without interrupting a the process of communication. Note taking services provide a written summary of information communicated, generally used in a classroom, in group meetings or training sessions.
  • Team Interpreting - The utilization of two or more interpreters functioning as equal members of a team, rotating responsibilities at prearranged intervals, and providing support and feedback to each other. (go to the LINKs page for the RID Standard Practice Paper).
Where are services provided?
  • Just tell us where to report to & we will be happy to serve. It is good measure to contact our agency first to find out our available time slots to better offer your consumers. Usually, interpreters and transliterators travel to client sites. With respect to the  pandemic we also provide VRI - Video Remote Services only if the consumer feels comfortable. Remember Sign Language is a 3D language. Flat screens may not be the likely preference. Also remember the Affordable Care Act. See Home Page. Service providers are located in every community. Sign Shares continuously identifies qualified individuals and either sends them directly to a client specified location, provides the service through remote video or download if the communication has been electronically packaged.
How does Sign Shares address Confidentiality?
  • Sign Shares maintains a confidential service delivery system to match or exceed mandates required by state and national law (to include HIPAA regulations), HITCH Laws, and ethical standards, established by certifying bodies and professional associations. Specifically, Sign Shares administrative and direct service personnel are obligated to keep all information strictly confidential, including: Communications between consumers of services and proprietary information of client entities and Sign Shares.
How is billing handled?
  • Sign Shares provides billing in the format required by the client, billing by mail or electronically on a monthly basis or by credit card.
  • Rates - Sign Shares bills an hourly rate determined by time of day, advance notice and volume of service. Sign Shares bills the number of hours committed by direct service personnel for each job. The rate includes the cost of administration and management of services; intake to determine client specific protocol, consideration of services levels needed for effective communication, identification and recruitment of qualified professionals and documentation of service history and account administration.
  • Daytime Regular - Assignments which are requested (not less than one full business day) in advance and occur between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • After Hours/Weekend - Assignments which occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday.
  • Late Notice - Assignments booked with less than one full business day advance notice.
  • Emergency - Any assignment which can not be reasonably delayed and which requires "drop and run" or immediate coordination and placement.
  • Minimum fees - All assignments are billed a minimum of 2 hours, usually, one hour on site plus one hour of travel time.
  • Portal to Portal - assignments include an average one half hour each way “travel time” for a total of one hour per interpreter/reporter per assignment, per day. Service providers are located in every community and travel is based on each individual service providers location in relation to the assignment. Sign Shares will notify clients prior to an assignment if location and availability require additional travel consideration.
  • Holiday - all major Holidays recognized by federal and local state. Holiday assignments are billed double on a Holiday.
  • Extensions - Sign Shares will make best effort to extend a service provider on assignment if and when it unexpectedly goes longer than the time and duration as confirmed. Extensions are billed at the same rate as the assignment if the same interpreter is available for extension, otherwise extensions are billed at the emergency rate.
  • Payment - Payment is due according to contract, generally upon receipt of invoice. This is vital when it comes to keeping our agency active within the community needs. Payment should be made to Sign Shares Inc. Do not make payment to any individual as agreements with direct service providers vary greatly and are managed separate and apart from services provided to clients.
  • Same Day Cancellations: Our services are booked prior in advance. Same Day Cancellations are still billable. 
What factors are considered when determining qualification?
  • Qualification, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, is not by professional certification alone, but specific to the subject matter and individuals involved. Sign Shares considers certification and language fluency, education, experience and specialty training, as well as cultural knowledge and exposure, to insure the most appropriately 'qualified' individuals are assigned. Key of course, is fluency in “the language most readily understood” by the persons involved in any given situation be they deaf, deaf and blind, hard of hearing, whether they hear and speak. Please note: Read up on what is considered 'Qualified' vs What is considered 'Certified'. 
  • What is a qualified interpreter under the ADA law?
    A “qualified” interpreter means someone who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., understanding what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person) using any necessary specialized ...
  • The language naturally developed and used by Deaf people in the United States and Canada, is American Sign Language, the third most used language in this country. Because language revolves around culture, different sign languages are found around the world. Mexican Sign Language is used in Mexico, Spanish Sign Language is used in Spain, Venezuelan Sign Language in Venezuela, British Sign Language in Great Britain and Puerto Rican Sign Language in Puerto Rico.
WHAT ARE THE DEFINED CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALTIES?
          NIC/RID/NAD Certificates:
  • National Interpreter Certification (NIC) - All three levels of this certification, NIC, NIC Advanced and NIC Master are considered professional-level certified interpreters.
  • NIC - Those who pass at this level have shown basic professional-level interpreting and transliterating skills.
  • NIC Advanced - Those who pass at this level have scored within the standard range on the interview portion and high on the performance portion of the examination.
  • NIC Master - Those awarded the NIC Master designation scored high on both the interview and performance portions of the test.

          RID Certificates:
  • CI (Certificate of Interpretation) - Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Interpretation and have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English in both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign. The interpreter's ability to transliterate is not considered in this certification. Holders of the CI are recommended for a broad range of interpretation assignments. This test is currently available.
  • CT (Certificate of Transliteration) - Holders of this certificate are recognized as fully certified in Transliteration and have demonstrated the ability to transliterate between English-based sign language and spoken English in both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign. The transliterator's ability to interpret is not considered in this certification. Holders of the CT are recommended for a broad range of transliteration assignments. This test is currently available.
  • CI and CT (Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration) - Holders of both full certificates (as listed above) have demonstrated competence in both interpretation and transliteration. Holders of the CI and CT are recommended for a broad range of interpretation and transliteration assignments.
  • CLIP (Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit) - Holders of this conditional permit completed an RID recognized training program designed for interpreters and transliterators who work in legal settings. Generalist certification (CI and CT, or CSC) was required prior to enrollment in the training program. Holders of this conditional permit are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. The CLIP is no longer available.
  • CLIP-R (Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit-Relay) - Holders of this conditional permit have completed an RID recognized training program designed for interpreters and transliterators who work in legal settings and who are also Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Generalist certification for interpreters/transliterators who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing (RSC, CDI-P, or CDI) is required prior to enrollment in the training program. This permit is valid until one year after the Specialist Certificate: Legal written and performance test for Deaf interpreters is available nationally. CLIP-R holders must take and pass the new legal certification examination in order to maintain certification in the specialized area of interpreting in legal settings. Holders of this conditional permit are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. The CLIP-R is still offered.
  • CDI-P (Certified Deaf Interpreter-Provisional) - Holders of this provisional certification are interpreters who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and who have demonstrated a minimum of one year experience working as an interpreter, completion of at least 8 hours of training on the RID Code of Ethics, and 8 hours of training in general interpretation as it relates to the interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. The CDI-P is no longer available.
  • CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter) - Holders of this certification are interpreters who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and who have completed at least 8 hours of training on the RID Code of Ethics, and 8 hours of training in general interpretation as it relates to the interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing and have passed a comprehensive combination written and performance test. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This test is currently available.
  • CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certificate) - Holders of this full certificate have demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English and to transliterate between spoken English and a English-based sign language. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of interpreting and transliterating assignments. The CSC examination was offered until 1987. This test is no longer offered.
  • MCSC (Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate) - The MCSC examination was designed with the intent of testing for a higher standard of performance than the CSC. Holders of this certificate were required to hold the CSC prior to taking this exam. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of interpreting and transliterating assignments. This certificate is no longer offered.
  • RSC (Reverse Skills Certificate) - Holders of this full certificate demonstrated the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and English-based sign language or transliterate between spoken English and a signed code for English. Holders of this certificate are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and interpretation/transliteration is rendered in American Sign Language, spoken English, a signed code for English or written English. Holders of the RSC are recommended for a broad range of interpreting assignments where the use of an interpreter who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. This certificate is no longer offered. People interested in this area should take the CDI exam.
  • SC:L (Specialist Certificate: Legal) - Holders of this specialist certificate have demonstrated specialized knowledge of legal settings and greater familiarity with language used in the legal system. Generalist certification and documented training and experience is required prior to sitting for this exam. Holders of the SC:L are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the legal setting. This test is currently available.
  • Prov. SC:L (Provisional Specialist Certificate: Legal) - Holders of this provisional certificate hold generalist certification and have completed RID approved legal training. Holders of this certificate are recommended for assignments in the legal setting. Prov. SC:L is no longer available.
  • SC:PA (Specialist Certificate: Performing Arts) - Holders of this certificate were required to hold RID generalist certification (CSC) prior to sitting for this examination and have demonstrated specialized knowledge in performing arts interpretation. Holders of this certificate are recommended for a broad range of assignments in the performing arts setting. The SC:PA is no longer offered.
  • OTC (Oral Transliteration Certificate) - Holders of this generalist certificate have demonstrated, using silent oral techniques and natural gestures, the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and the ability to understand and repeat the message and intent of the speech and mouth movements of the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This test is currently available.
  • OIC:C (Oral Interpreting Certificate: Comprehensive) - Holders of this generalist certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and the ability to understand and repeat the message and intent of the speech and mouth movements of the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This certification is no longer offered. Individuals wishing oral certification should take the OTC exam noted above.
  • OIC:S/V (Oral Interpreting Certificate: Spoken to Visible) - Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate a spoken message from a person who hears to a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. This individual received scores on the OIC:C examination which prevented the awarding of full OIC:C certification. The OIC:S/V is no longer offered. Individuals wishing oral certification should take the OTC exam noted above.
  • IC/TC (Interpretation Certificate/Transliteration Certificate) - Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated ability to transliterate between English and a signed code for English and the ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification. The IC/TC is no longer offered.
  • IC (Interpretation Certificate) - Holder of this partial certificate demonstrated ability to interpret between American Sign Language and spoken English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification or partial IC/TC certification. The IC was formerly known as the Expressive Interpreting Certificate (EIC). The IC is no longer offered.
  • TC (Transliteration Certificate) - Holders of this partial certificate demonstrated the ability to transliterate between spoken English and a signed code for English. This individual received scores on the CSC examination which prevented the awarding of full CSC certification or IC/TC certification. The TC was formerly known as the Expressive Transliterating Certificate (ETC). The TC is no longer offered.

          NAD Certificates:
  • NAD III (Generalist) - Average Performance - Possesses above average voice-to-sign skills and good sign-to-voice skills, or vise versa. Demonstrates the minimum competence needed to meet generally accepted interpreter standards. Occasional words or phrases may be deleted but the expressed concept is accurate. Has good control of the grammar of the second language. Is generally accurate and consistent but is not qualified for all situations.
  • NAD IV (Advanced) - Above Average Performance - Possesses excellent voice-to-sign skills and above average sign-to-voice skills, or vice versa. Demonstrates above average skill in any given area. Performance is consistent and accurate. Fluency is smooth, with little deleted, and the viewer has no question to the candidate’s competency. Should be able to interpret in most situations.
  • NAD V (Master) - Superior Performance - Possesses superior voice-to-sign skills and excellent sign-to-voice skills. Demonstrates excellent to outstanding ability in any given area. Performance is with a minimum of flaws. Demonstrates interpreting skills necessary in almost all situations.

          BEI Certificates:
  • Basic Certificate - This certificate ensures that all BEI certified interpreters meet minimum competency standards to interpret in K - 12 and post secondary settings.
  • Advanced Certificate - This certificate ensures that the interpreter has skills necessary to interpret in more complex settings other than educational, indicated by the JLA. This performance test will emphasize the terms and scenarios in routine medical, public forums, government workforce, mental health, and social service settings. The Advanced certificate sets a clear standard for an interpreter ready to work in the majority of settings and performing a wide range of tasks.
  • Masters Certificate - This certificate ensures that the interpreter has the skills necessary to interpret in the most complex settings including complex medical and complex mental health. This test will serve to identify those interpreters qualified to work in the most critical areas.
  • Court Interpreter Certificate (CIC) - During the 2001 Session of the Texas State Legislature, a Law was passed requiring Court Certification for all language interpreters working in State Court. Interpreters who applied by January 1, 2002, and who had documented experience and training were awarded Court Certification. HB 2200, passed in 2005, made changes to the court interpreter certification process. Beginning September 1, 2006 interpreters who work in court proceedings must hold Court Interpreter Certification (CIC).
  • Sign Language (Level I through V) - Testing at Levels I through V and Certifications awarded for such were replaced by testing and Certification awarded for Basic, Professional and Masters Levels in 2006. Level I through V Certifications continue to be recognized as long as the interpreter holding Certification meet or exceed requirements for continuing education. Certificates awarded at Level I certified the interpreter had entry level skills at the time of testing and should be able to perform in K-12 and with basic skills. Most Level I interpreters actually transliterate and may or may not not be fluent in ASL. Level II is just short of a III and III is the minimum required by State Law. An Interpreter at Level IV will be fluent in both English and ASL and have stronger receptive skills than the Level III. The Level V has reached a level of excellence. These levels may be lacking in courtroom protocol, surgical procedures, etc. and should be assigned when further expertise is proven.
  • Intermediary (Level III, IV, and V) - Intermediary interpreters are either Deaf or hard of hearing, having various levels of proficiency and experience with Level III being entry level.
  • Oral (Basic, Comprehensive, Visible) - Holders of Oral certification enter qualification with a Basic Certification and advance to the Comprehensive level with stronger production and receptive skills. Visible Certification is awarded to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing and does not require hearing of spoken language.
  • Systems (MSS, SEE II) - Systems certification identifies persons proficient in a morphemic sign system (MSS) or Signing Exact English (SEE II) based on ASL signs using English syntax.
When is Medical or Legal Specialty qualification necessary?
The bullets listed are a sampling of situations where in depth knowledge of  medical terms and protocol or knowledge of legal terminology and the administative and judicial systems are critical to risk management:
  • Serious or Complex Medical Consultations and Procedures
  • Advanced Communications with Physicians and Healthcare Providers
  • 24 hour emergency coverage
  • Interpretation for “Informed Consent” for treatment or disclosure of health information
  • Interpreting, Sight Translation and Transliteration of Legal Documents
  • Interpreting and Transliteration of Legal or Medical Coursework
  • Interpreting and Transliteration of Privileged Communications
  • Interpreting and Transliteration for Legal Consultations
  • Preparation for Trial or Court Proceedings
  • Municipal, State and District Court Proceedings
  • State or Federal Agency Hearings
  • State or Federal Agency Hearings
What services are considered Educational Services?
  • Admissions and testing
  • Orientation, interviews, conferences, ARD meetings, commencements and other special events
  • Educational coursework
  • Human Resources and EEO in educational venues
  • Substitute services
  • Translation and production of educational materials
  • Extra curricular activities
  • Special Education (IEP)
In what areas does Sign Shares provide Consulting Services?
  • Effective Communication Strategies
  • “Reasonable Accommodation” and “qualified” as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), (HITECH Laws)
  • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
  • In Service Training on effective communication strategies
  • Effective Community Program Planning to include persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Will Sign Shares contract to meet compliance guidelines?
  • Yes, Sign Shares offers contracts with client entities to meet compliance as related to requirements outlined in Medicaid, Medicare, ADA, JCAHO and HIPAA/HITECH Law Guidelines.
What Training and Development is offered to direct service providers?
  • Internships to match required coursework for sign language interpreting degree programs (Currently under COVID Protocals, Please stay tuned.
  • Apprenticeship programs for entry level, advanced language or specialty
  • Medical Specialty
  • Legal Specialty
  • Mentorships
  • Hands on language and protocol training in client specific venues
  • Development
  • Evaluation of work skills, and work ethics
  • Language specific training (Medical & Law Enforcement focused)
  • Onsite assessments or Virtual
  • Community Workshops
How do I know I need communication services?
  • Most of the time, notification of the need for services comes by way of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual who is a patient, an employee, or someone interested in participating in a public activity or event. An interpreter or transliterator should be present in all situations where exchanged information is lengthy and/or complex. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accommodation for persons with disabilities, Sign Shares believes consideration should be made for all parties involved.
  • Examples of situations in which communication is essential are the discussion of medical history, signing written consent forms prior to surgery, procedures or testing, explanation of diagnosis and treatment, therapy sessions, legal matters, and situations involving employment, which include annual reviews, changes or explanation of benefit packages, meetings, conference calls and training. Another example is the signing of contracts prior to major purchases. This would include the purchase of a home, car or life insurance plan.
Where can I learn sign language?
  • Sign Shares generally encourages people to learn a language from a person who is qualified to teach. Fluency in a language, or interpreter certification, does not necessarily make one a good teacher. Most colleges and universities follow guidelines established for "credit" and are often the best resource for quality training. When taking adult education courses, always consider your learning goals. 
  • We highly recommend learning Sign Language from a Deaf person who enjoys and is trained in teaching. 
  • Clients who wish to learn basic sign language just to understand some fundamentals please contact the Sign Shares office and inquire. Happy Learning! 
Can't we just write notes?
  • No, not if the individuals involved are not fluent in a written language. Please note that American Sign Language is not English and does not have a written form, therefore, ask the individual about their individual communication requirements. Understanding individual words and nodding is not an indication of comprehension.
  • Yes. if you have the time to communicate as much information as you would otherwise, if you are fast enough, and if both individuals are fluent in written English and can see well, written notes will suffice. Yet, think about the liabilities that may occur.
Can the Deaf and those who are hard of hearing read lips?
  • Only 30% of English is readable on the lips. The rest is guesswork. Persons familiar with one another, familiar with the subject matter being discussed and expected outcomes will be better at guessing and quite effective speech readers. However, the person speaking may not have easily readable speech, and environmental factors such as anxiety, lighting and facial hair will come into play.
  • Oral transliterators restate information clearly for persons who depend on speech reading. They are most often used in a group situation, for presentations using audio visual equipment, or when a speaker is moving around or facing away from the audience. Another typical scenario would be orally transliterating a conference call where people can only be heard and not seen.
What will the interpreter or transliterator need?
  • Outside of the information provided by Sign Shares, the client may assist the direct service provider by providing scripts, agendas, training manuals, etc. in advance. Interpreters and transliterators keep all such information confidential. The more in depth they know and understand the terminology of the client, the better they can match the "spirit and intent" of the interaction.
  • If the service provider is not yet familiar with specifics, a pre-session will be requested to discuss history, information included in case files, police reports, depositions, prior actions and expected outcomes which helps the interpretation flow run more smoothly for all parties involved.
Who determines how long the service provider is on - site?
  • When a request is made, the client determines how long the service provider will be needed. The interpreter assigned is committed to be on site, ready to work at the designated time and remain as long as originally agreed.
What if the interpreter never actually interprets?
  • Service providers are compensated for their time, regardless of the type of assignment, the number of participants or client entity.
  • If the planned event is canceled with short notice or does not materialize, Sign Shares administrative staff and direct service providers have committed their time and will bill for services as agreed. Of course, the client may consider utilizing the direct service provider in another venue as long as the alternate work is within the perimeters of the original assignment.
HOW DO I USE LIVE CHAT SUPPORT?
  • We do offer Live Chat depending on the availability times of our team support staff. However, there are plenty of ways to get in contact with us, simply try us on our toll-free number, videophones, email, or fax. Click here to go to our Contact Us page!
  • {{ Live Chat is only for technical support issues and not a form of requesting a job or leaving us feedback. Smile! }}
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