How to Hire an Interpreter

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background Information on Interpreters
2.1 What Is a Qualified Interpreter?
2.2 Ethical Standards for Interpreters
2.3 National Certification and the NH Interpreter Classification System

3. Relevant Legislation
3.1 Federal Legislation
3.2 New Hampshire Legislation

4. The Hiring Process
4.1 Guidelines
4.2 Who Pays for Interpreting Services
4.3 Contacting an Interpreter
4.4 Grievance Procedure

5. Resources
5.1 Agencies that Provide Information about Interpreting Services
5.2 Agencies and Organizations Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Citizens
5.3 Membership Organizations
5.4 Computer Assisted Real Time (CART) Services

Appendices

A. Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics
B. National Certificates Offered by the RID
C. Americans with Disabilities Act, PL 101-336
D. Rehabilitation Act, Section 504
E. NH Law 521-A

1. Introduction

We are pleased to provide this handbook to clarify the process for hiring qualified American Sign Language-English (ASL-English) interpreters. (The handbook is designed with the novice user in mind and includes the information one would need in order to hire an interpreter.)

While this handbook includes general information on the hiring process, it should be noted that interpreters are private practitioners and have the right to negotiate their own fees and conditions for contractual employment based on individual certification, experience, and education. The fee schedule is meant to be used by state and municipal agencies for hiring free-lance interpreters for short-term job assignments. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any state department, board, commission, agency or licensing agency or any political sub-division of the state from employing an interpreter on a full-time basis or under contract at a mutually agreed upon compensation rate.

We recommend that you read through the entire handbook to gather information you will need about ASL-English interpreters, legal requirements, and the hiring process. It is crucial that your questions about these areas, as well as interpreter qualifications and ethical standards for interpreters, be answered before requesting interpreting services.

We have included a Resources section which may also be of use to you. It includes information on: 1) organizations and agencies that serve the Deaf Community and 2) Computer Assisted Real Time (CART) services. Also, the Appendices consist of original printed sources in order to provide more in-depth information (as needed) on interpreter ethics, national interpreter certificates, and federal and state legislation.

This handbook provides you with the information you will need before either contacting an interpreter directly or contacting one of the two state-wide interpreter referral services: Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) or Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. If you have any questions or comments regarding this handbook, please contact H. Dee Clanton, State Coordinator, at (603) 271-3471 (TTY/voice).

Respectfully,

Interpreter Handbook Committee
State Advisory Committee
Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
New Hampshire Department of Education

2. Background Information on Interpreters
2.1 What Is a Qualified Interpreter?

A qualified interpreter is a person who:

1. accurately conveys meaning between persons who use a spoken language (e.g., English) and persons who use a visual language (e.g., American Sign Language) or speech reading

and

2. has the following qualifications:

a. is certified by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
or
when determined appropriate for the situation, has been approved by the New Hampshire Interpreter Classification System (NHICS),

b. has knowledge of the subject matter of the interpreting assignment, and

c. is currently registered with the NH Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation - Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

A qualified interpreter is not simply a person who can sign, but rather a trained professional who has specialized in the transmission of messages between parties who use different languages. An interpreter has a high degree of fluency in the languages used, specializes in professional communication in a myriad of situations, upholds the ethical standards of the field of ASL-English interpretation, and holds either national certification by the RID or, when deemed appropriate, has been screened by the NHICS. The referral service will contact or suggest the name (s) of an interpreter that is appropriate for your particular needs.

2.2 Ethical Standards for Interpreters

ASL-English interpreters abide by a Code of Ethics which delineates the underlying ethical standards of the field, the tenets of which are summarized below (see Appendix A for the complete Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf [RID] Code of Ethics):

• maintain confidentiality
• convey information faithfully
• use the language most readily understood by consumers
• not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions
• accept assignments with discretion
• request compensation judiciously
• behave in a professional manner
• pursue professional development
• maintain high professional standards

Also, interpreters respect and meet the cultural needs of all parties.

2.3 National Certification and the NH Interpreter Classification System

National Certification

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), a national professional interpreter organization, has an established interpreter evaluation system and awards many different certificates based on testing industry standards of validity, reliability, and equity. Certificates are awarded to interpreters who meet a national standard of minimum competence. The abbreviations for commonly held certificates are given here (see Appendix B. National Certificates Awarded by the RID for an explanation of all the certificates offered by the RID):

Since 1987, the following certificates have been awarded by the RID:

CI, CT, CDI, SC:L (for sign language interpretation) & OIC (for oral transliteration)

Certificates awarded by the RID prior to 1987 (and still valid):

CSC, IC, TC, MCSC, RSC, SC:L, SC:PA, (for sign language interpretation), and OIC:C, OIC:S/V, OIC:V/S (for oral transliteration)

NH Interpreter Classification System (NHICS)

A New Hampshire classification is valid for a period of four years. The NHICS is designed for approving persons not nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as a means to develop professionally, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing guidance so that they can maximize their potential in the field of interpreting while working in limited types of assignments.

3. Relevant Legislation

Several pieces of legislation address interpreting services. Outlined below are the specifications of both relevant federal and state legislation (see Appendices C, D, and E for more complete information).

3.1 Federal Legislation

Americans with Disabilities Act PL 101-336

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are covered by the ADA which was enacted in 1990 to prevent discrimination in the public and private sector. Briefly, the ADA requires the following (see Appendix C for an excerpt from the ADA):

• Employers must reasonably accommodate applicants and employees, unless undue hardship would result (as defined by the law).
• No qualified person shall be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services from programs or activities of a public entity.
• No individual shall be discriminated against by any place of public accommodation. This includes the use of goods, services, facilities, privileges, and/or advantages of any public accommodation.

NOTE: The regulations for these sections of the ADA require provision of auxiliary aids to ensure access by persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing. These aids include the use of a qualified interpreter. For more information on the ADA, contact the U.S. Department of Justice, 202-514-0301 (voice) and 202-514-0383 (TTY).

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, PL. 93-112, Section 504

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act which was enacted to protect individuals from discrimination by programs and activities receiving federal funds. Briefly, Section 504 provides the following (see Appendix D for an excerpt of Section 504):

• No otherwise qualified individual shall be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

3.2 New Hampshire Legislation

New Hampshire Law 521-A Interpreters for Deaf Persons requires that interpreting services to be provided when Deaf persons have any kind of dealing with the State. In summary, New Hampshire Law 521-A requires the following (see Appendix E for a copy of NH Law 521-A):

• Interpreting services must be provided for any business with the State related to each and every court, department, board, commission, agency, or licensing authority of the State.
• The Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with the NH Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation has the responsibility of maintaining a list of qualified interpreters with assistance from the New Hampshire Association of the Deaf (NHAD) and the New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NHRID) and the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
• The Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has the responsibility of recommending to the State of New Hampshire current rates for interpreters working for state agencies.
• The interpreter is covered by the cloak of privilege when interpreting in situations involving a person already covered by the cloak of privilege and, in these cases, is legally protected from being compelled to testify as to the communications.

4. The Hiring Process

4.1 Guidelines

The following information should serve as a guide when hiring interpreters. As most interpreters are in private practice (freelance), the following guidelines have been developed and have become standard for the field:

Contract Time

The time scheduled: The interpreter is paid for the entire time for which he or she has originally been scheduled (including expected travel time (see Travel Expenses below)). This includes any time when the interpreter is not actually interpreting but is on location and available to interpret, including any waiting time, breaks, and meal times. On-going assignments or contractual agreements may be negotiated to vary from this as appropriate prior to confirmation of the assignment.

Length of Assignment

Long assignments/Two or more interpreters: For lengthy assignments such as all-day conferences and long meetings, it is recommended that more than one interpreter be hired so they can switch off every 20-30 minutes. Interpreters cannot effectively interpret for lengthy periods of time; studies have shown that the quality of the information expressed through an interpreter suffers after approximately 20-30 minutes. All interpreters are to be paid their full rate for the entire time on location.

Two hour minimum: It is standard for interpreters to bill a two-hour minimum for any assignment which is under two hours long. These two hours do include driving time (see Travel Expenses below).

Extension of Assignment

As available: If the hiring agency needs the interpreter to continue past the contracted time and all parties agree to continue and the interpreter is available, the assignment may continue provided the following

Appropriate authorization: The interpreter must first obtain supplemental authorization from an appropriate person in the hiring agency before continuing past the contracted time.

Travel Expenses

Mileage: The interpreter is paid mileage from his/her home to the location of the assignment and back. For assignments with the State of New Hampshire, mileage is paid at the current state rate utilizing appropriate state charts or the equivalent. Interpreters may use their odometer reading when submitting an invoice to claim mileage.

Driving time: Interpreters are paid their regular hourly rate for driving time.

Tolls: It is general practice (and required by state agencies) that reimbursement for tolls require submission of receipts.

Interpreters from other states

Note: Hourly rates, mileage reimbursement, and cancellation policies vary by state.

Cancellation Policy

24 hours notice (only state agencies, federal agencies, city government and the judicial system): If an interpreter has been scheduled for an assignment and it is canceled within 24 hours (one full business day) of the actual assignment, the interpreter will bill for the entire block of time scheduled. This is general practice since it is difficult for interpreters to replace assignments that have been canceled within a 24 hour period. Be aware that individual interpreters cancellation policies may vary.

48 hours notice: (general businesses, i.e., private) If an interpreter has been scheduled for an assignment and it is canceled within 48 hours (two full business days) of the actual assignment, the interpreter will bill for the entire block of time scheduled. This is general practice since it is difficult for interpreters to replace assignments that have been canceled within a 48 hour period. Be aware that individual interpreters cancellation policies may vary.

If for any reason the interpreter cannot make an assignment, the interpreter will be responsible for making appropriate arrangements, depending on the availability of other interpreters.

4.2 Who Pays for Interpreting Services

Any entity which is obligated by law (see 3. Relevant Legislation) to provide interpreting services must incur the costs associated with such provisions. Such entities include:

• places of employment
• medical service providers
• federal, state, and municipal government entities
• public and private agencies and service providers
• educational institutions
• performances and events open to the public (whether publicly or privately funded)

4.3 Contacting an Interpreter

Referral Services

There are two referral services in New Hampshire for ASL-English interpreters: the Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) Interpreter Referral Service and the Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. (NDHHS) Communication Access Service. For a nominal referral fee, both of these interpreter referral services match up the appropriate interpreter with the particular setting, so please be sure to have the information listed below ready BEFORE calling.

The GSIL Interpreter Referral Service telephone number is:

1-800-826-3700 (TTY/Voice) - or - (603) 228-9680 (TTY/Voice)

NDHHS may be contacted either by telephone or e-mail:

Voice: 603-224-1850 x 204
VP: 603-968-5889
referral@ndhhs.org

To increase the possibility of securing an appropriate interpreter in your locale, requests for interpreting services should be made at least seven to ten working days prior to the scheduled appointment whenever possible. Requests made with less time will be accepted with the understanding that last minute requests may be very difficult to fill.

Be sure to have the following information ready

• any specific requests: e.g., for a specific interpreter, for a particular communication need
• type of assignment
• specific location (e.g., including room number)
• date and time
• length of the assignment
• names of persons involved and their positions (this will be kept confidential)
• on-site contact person and telephone number
• payment process (contact person, telephone number, & address)
• any special parking or security-related information

Upon securing an interpreter, the Referral Service will provide you with a cost estimate along with the interpreter's name and telephone number. Directions and any special parking or security-related information should be given directly to the interpreter.

Contacting an Interpreter Directly

If you prefer to contact/hire an interpreter or interpreters directly, feel free to contact the GSIL Interpreter Referral Service for guidance (they can provide, free of charge, a list of interpreters who are qualified for the assignment).

4.4 Grievance Procedure

If you are dissatisfied with the professionalism, quality of services, or ethical behavior of an interpreter, you may contact the Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) or the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation. Either agency can assist in addressing concerns or, if necessary, in initiating the grievance process with the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) if the interpreter is national RID certified.

5. Resources

5.1 Agencies that Provide Information about Interpreting Services

New Hampshire Department of Education
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3471 (TTY/voice)
Fax (603) 271-7095

Northeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Inc.
125 Airport Road
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 224-1850
1-800-492-0407
(603) 224-0691 (TTY)
(603) 634-4764 [866-NDHHSNH] (TTY)

Granite State Independent Living
Interpreter Referral Services
PO Box 7268
Concord, NH 03301-7268
(603) 228-9680 (TTY/Voice)
Fax 603) 225-3305
1-800-826-3700 (TTY/Voice)

5.2 Agencies and Organizations Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Citizens

New Hampshire Department of Education
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
78 Regional Drive, Building 2
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3471 (TTY/Voice)
Fax (603) 271-7095

Northeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Inc.
125 Airport Road
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 224-1850
1-800-492-0407
(603) 224-0691 (TTY)
(866) 634-4764 [866-NDHHSNH] (TTY)

Granite State Independent Living
PO Box 7268
Concord, NH 03301-7268
(603) 228-9680 (TTY/Voice)
Fax (603) 225-3305
1-800-826-3700 (TTY/Voice)

University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Sign Language Interpretation Program
400 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 668-0700
(603) 622-4511 (TTY)
Fax (603) 624-6658

Assistive Sensory Services for Education Technology and Training (ASSETT)
117 Pleasant Street, Dolloff Building.
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 226-2900 (TTY/Voice)
Fax (603) 226-2907

Crotched Mountain Preparatory School and Rehabilitation Center
1 Verney Drive
Greenfield, NH 03057
(603) 547-3311
1-800-966-2672

Community Council of Nashua, NH, Inc.
Mental Health Deaf Services
7 Prospect Street
Nashua, NH 03060-3990
(603) 889-6147
(603) 597-7134 (TTY)
Fax (603) 598-7135

Multisensory Intervention through Consultation and Education (MICE) Program
PO Box 2274
Concord, NH 03301-2274
(603) 228-1028 (TTY/voice)
Fax (603) 224-4379

Manchester Regional Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
100 Aurore Avenue
Manchester, NH 03109
(603) 624-6422 (TTY/voice)

Portsmouth Regional Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Clough Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1708 (TTY/voice)

Sprint/Relay New Hampshire
125 Airport Road
Concord, NH 03301
1-800-377-1160 (TTY)
(603) 225-9533 (TTY)
1-800-735-2964 (TTY/Voice)
Fax (603) 225-4346

League for the Hard of Hearing
437 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 03303
(603) 746-2268 (TTY/Voice)

Parent Information Center
PO Box 2405
Concord, NH 03302-2405
(603) 224-7005 (TTY)
1-800-232-0986 (Voice)
Fax (603) 224-4365

Telephone Link (Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program)
Granite State Independent Living
PO Box 7268
Concord, NH 03301-7268
1-800-826-3700 (TTY/Voice)
(603) 228-9680 (TTY/Voice)
Fax (603) 225-3304

5.3 Membership Organizations

New Hampshire Association of the Deaf
PO Box 6297
Manchester, NH 03108-6297

Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing - New Hampshire
PO Box 3040
Nashua, NH 03061

New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
PO Box 5432
Manchester, NH 03108-5432

HEAR in New Hampshire
11 Kimball Drive, Suite 103
Hooksett, NH 03106
(603) 624-4464
877-ORALDEAF
www.oraldeaf.org

5.4 Computer Assisted Real Time (CART) Services

Computer-Assisted Real-Time (CART) services involve the use of stenographers who use a computer to transmit the spoken word into English text via computer screen and/or a projection screen in order to facilitate communication between/among persons who are hearing, deaf, late-deafened, and hard-of-hearing. CART reporting is an option for persons who may not wish to make use of interpreting services and prefer to read written English text.

Contact either the Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation's Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or the Granite State Independent Living for a list of qualified stenotype reporters who provide CART services. The telephone numbers for these agencies are listed in 5.1 Agencies that Provide Information about Interpreting) above.

The CART reporter will need a listing of people present at the assignment, as well as their titles, and names or places that may be mentioned or special terms that may be used during the course of the meeting, teleconference, etc. This information should be faxed to the CART reporter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to give the reporter ADEQUATE TIME TO PREPARE.

Like interpreters, CART reporters are hired by parties other than State agencies and will NEGOTIATE reasonable fees based on experience, skills, and the nature of the assignment. Mileage will be paid at the current State approved rate.

Appendices

Appendix A. National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics

1. Interpreters/Transliterators shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential.

2. Interpreters/Transliterators shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person (s) whom they serve.

3. Interpreters/Transliterators shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions.

4. Interpreters/Transliterators shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and the consumers involved.

5. Interpreters/Transliterators shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner.

6. Interpreters/Transliterators shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.

7. Interpreters/Transliterators shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues and reading of current literature in the field.

8. Interpreters/Transliterators, by virtue of membership in or certification by the RID, Inc., shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the code of ethics.

Appendix B. National Certificates Offered by the RID

There are many certificates awarded by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) National Testing System (NTS). The following is a comprehensive list of those certificates, with an explanation of each:

Comprehensive Certification

Description: demonstrated ability to interpret between American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English and ability to transliterate between English-based sign language and spoken English

Certificate awarded since 1987: Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration (CI and CT)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (and still valid): Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC) - or - Interpreting Certificate and Transliterating Certificate (IC and TC) - or - Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate (MCSC)

Interpretation

Description: demonstrated ability to interpret between American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English

Certificate awarded since 1987: Certificate of Interpretation (CI)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (and still valid): Interpreting Certificate (IC)

Transliteration

Description: demonstrated ability to transliterate between English-based sign language and spoken English

Certificate awarded: Certificate of Transliteration (CT)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (and still valid): Transliterating Certificate (TC)

Deaf Interpreter Certification

Description: a specialist certificate for Deaf or hard of hearing interpreters

Certificate awarded: Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (still valid): Reverse Skills Certificate (RSC)

Oral Transliteration

Description: demonstrated 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

Certificate awarded: Oral Interpreting Certificate (OIC)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (still valid): Oral Interpreting Certificate: Comprehensive (OIC:C), Oral Interpreting Certificate: Spoken to Visible (OIC:S/V), Oral Interpreting Certificate: Visible to Spoken (OIC:V/S)

Legal Interpretation

Description: a specialist certificate for those who have demonstrated specialized knowledge of legal settings and greater familiarity with language used in the legal system

Certificate awarded: Special Certificate: Legal (SC:L)

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (still valid): Special Certificate: Legal (SC:L)

Performing Arts Interpretation

Description: a specialist certificate for those who have demonstrated specialized knowledge in performing arts

Certificate awarded prior to 1987 (still valid):

Special Certificate: Performing Arts (SC:PA)

Appendix C. Americans with Disabilities Act, PL 101-336

Title I - Employment:

Employers must reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants or employees, unless undue hardship would result.

Title II - Public Services

No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of a public entity.

Title III - Public Accommodations & Services Operated by Private Entities:

No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.

NOTE: Regulations for these sections require provision of auxiliary aids to ensure access by consumers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. These aids include the term "qualified interpreter." This is defined by regulation as "...an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary."

Appendix D. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, PL. 93-112

Section 504, Non-discrimination Under Federal Grants:

No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States, as defined in Section 7(6) shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Appendix E. NH Law 521-A

521-A:1 Definitions - As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the following meanings.

I. "Appointing authority" means the presiding justice of any court, the chairman of any commission or authority, and the director or commissioner of any department or agency, or any person presiding at any hearing or other proceeding wherein a qualified interpreter is required pursuant to this chapter.

II. "Deaf Person" means any person whose hearing is so impaired as to seriously prohibit the person from processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, so as to require the use of an interpreter. This includes, but is not limited to, persons who are deaf, deaf and blind, or severely hard of hearing.

III. "Principal party in interest" means a person in any proceeding in which he is a named party or a person with respect to whom the decision or action which may be taken in any proceeding directly affects.

IV. "Qualified Interpreter" means an interpreter certified by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or the New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NHRID) as qualified under standards and procedures promulgated by the NH Department of Education. In the event an interpreter so certified is unavailable, any other interpreter whose actual qualifications have otherwise been appropriately determined.

521-A:2 INTERPRETER REQUIRED - At all stages of any proceeding before any court, department, board, commission, agency or licensing authority of the state; any political sub-division of the state; or any department, board, commission, agency or licensing authority of a political sub-division in which a deaf person is a principal party in interest the appointing authority shall appoint, upon request of the deaf principal, a qualified interpreter to interpret or to translate the proceedings to the deaf person and to interpret or translate his testimony.

521-A:3 INTERPRETER REQUIRED IN CRIMINAL MATTERS - Whenever a deaf person is arrested for any alleged violation of criminal law where the penalty may include imprisonment or fine in excess of $100 or both, no attempt to interrogate or take a statement from such person shall be permitted until a qualified interpreter is appointed for said person and then only through the use of such interpreter.

521-A:4 PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION - No qualified interpreter shall be appointed in any case until the appointing authority makes a preliminary determination that the qualified interpreter is able to accurately communicate with and translate information to and from the deaf person involved in the case.

521-A:5 INTERPRETER TO BE PROVIDED - Whenever any deaf person is a party to or receiving services from any health, welfare or educational agency under the authority of the state or political sub-division of the state or municipality, the appointing authority shall appoint a qualified interpreter for the deaf to interpret or translate the actions of any personnel providing such service and to assist the deaf person in communicating with each person.

521-A:6 NOTICE; PROOF OF DISABILITY - Every deaf person whose appearance before a proceeding entitles him to an interpreter shall notify the appointing authority of his disability prior to any appearance and shall request at such time the services of an interpreter. An appointing authority may require a person requesting the appointment of an interpreter to furnish reasonable proof of his disability when the appointing authority has reason to believe that the person is not so disabled.

521-A:7 COORDINATION OF INTERPRETER REQUESTS -

I. Whenever an appointing authority receives a valid request for the services of an interpreter, the authority shall request the NH Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, to furnish the authority with a list of sources of qualified interpreters at the time and place and for a period specified by the authority.

II. The New Hampshire Association of the Deaf (NHAD) and the New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NHRID) are authorized to assist the NH Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, to prepare and continually update, a listing of qualified and available interpreters. When requested by an appointing authority to provide assistance in providing an interpreter, the division shall supply a list of sources and do all necessary to assist the appointing authority in obtaining a qualified interpreter as needed; however, if the choice of qualified interpreter does not meet the needs of the deaf person, the appointing authority shall appoint another qualified interpreter.

521-A:8 COMPENSATION - An interpreter appointed under the provisions of this chapter shall be reimbursed by the appointing authority at a fixed rate reflecting the current approved fee schedule as established by the NH Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any state department, board, commission, agency or licensing agency or any political sub-division of the state from employing an interpreter on a full-time basis or under contract at a mutually agreed upon compensation rate.

521-A:9 INTERPRETER PERMITTED - Whenever a deaf person is interested in any administrative or judicial proceeding in which an interpreter would be required for a principal party in interest, he shall be entitled to use an interpreter to translate the proceeding for him and to assist him in presenting his testimony or comment.

521-A:10 OATH OF INTERPRETER - Every interpreter appointed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, before entering upon his duties, shall take oath that he will make a true interpretation in an understandable manner to the person for whom he is appointed and that he will repeat the statements of such person in the English language to the best of his skill and judgment.

521-A:11 PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS - Whenever a deaf person communicates through an interpreter to any person under such circumstances that the communication would be privileged and said person could not be compelled to testify as to the communications, said privilege shall apply to the interpreter as well.

Handbook of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Under State Law RSA 521-A, Interpreters for the Deaf, the New Hampshire Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, has the responsibility for maintaining a list of nationally certified and state permit interpreters. This handbook is regularly distributed to agencies and individuals as a resource guide regarding interpreter services and other deafness related resources. Federal and state laws (see pages 11-12) require interpreter services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers in all proceedings and/or services provided by programs receiving state or federal funds.

Further questions regarding interpreting for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals should be addressed to

State Coordinator, Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
New Hampshire Department of Education
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
78 Regional Drive, Building #2
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3471 (V/TTY)

Members of the Interpreter Handbook Committee

Jack Hoza, Director
Sign Language Interpretation Program
University of New Hampshire at Manchester Mary McGuire, Assistant Director
Sign Language Interpretation Program
University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Linda O'Connell, Deaf Services Coordinator
Granite State Independent Living Tim Kinsella, ASL/English Interpreter

Jodi Lefort, Staff Interpreter
Community Council of Nashua, Inc.
Mental Health Deaf Services Program H. Dee Clanton, State Coordinator (Ex-Officio)
Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Vocational Rehabilitation

Bill Case, President
New Hampshire Association of the Deaf Lynn Littlefield (Ex-Officio)
Typist