Explore frequently asked questions, approaches to hiring interpreters, and search the CDHH interpreter directory.
Interpreters are one type of accommodation that may ensure communication access for Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals, and maintain compliance with federal and state laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Interpreters working in Idaho must be licensed through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. For more information on the law, and your specific obligations under the law, read more here.
FAQs
Hiring: Agency or Direct Hire?
Direct Contract: an entity may contract directly with licensed interpreters. The requesting entity has power to select interpreters with specific specializations or credentials and is responsible to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. This approach is generally associated with a lower cost and gives entities the ability to develop an ongoing relationship with an interpreter but is not suitable for urgent requests.
Agency: agencies that specialize in ASL interpretation work with the requester to coordinate all aspects of hiring and scheduling. Agencies use a network of interpreters that may include many of the same interpreters who contract directly as well as those who exclusively work through agencies. They ensure compliance (adhere to?) with applicable laws, will work with the requestor to provide continuity when possible, manage last minute replacements, and are more capable of filling urgent requests.
Who pays for the interpreter?
Small business tax credit
Medicaid code
DV Centralized Fund
Industry Standards in Interpreting
Flat rate up to two hours
Teaming Practices
Cancellation policy
Certified Deaf Interpreter or an interpreter for the Deaf?
Should I use an in person interpreter or can I use an interpreter over video?
When am I required to provide an interpreter?
How much do independent interpreters charge?
Independent service providers set their own rates. You can expect an industry standard flat rate covering the first two hours, otherwise know as a two hour minimum, followed by an hourly charge. They may have differentials depending on day, time, setting, etc. ask to see their terms before booking.
Some assignments, such as conferences and theatrical performances, are billed at a flat rate for the entirety of the work.
Ask the interpreter you are working with for their cancellation policy. Interpreters will bill for the full time booked regardless of whether an appointment ends early or a client fails to appear.
What is the difference between a Certified Interpreter and a Licensed Interpreter?
All certified interpreters qualify for licensure, not all licensed interpreters hold certification. Certification or other interpreting assessments may be used to qualify for state licensure.
Certification is verification that an interpreter has passed a nationally recognized test of ethical competency and skill. Certification is considered a higher standard than other assessments used to qualify for a state license.
Licensure is verification by the state of Idaho that the professional is able to practice on site or virtual practice within the state. All sign language interpreters practicing in the state of Idaho must be licensed through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) IC 54-29.
Does every deaf or hard of hearing person use interpretive services?
No. Hiring a signed language interpreter depends upon the communication modality used by the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual, and their accommodation request. Please review your organization’s policy regarding communication access.
For more information on communication access policies, see here.
For more information on other accommodations and auxiliary aids used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, see here. [insert page jump]
Some assignments, such as conferences and theatrical performances, are billed at a flat rate for the entirety of the work.
Ask the interpreter you are working with for their cancellation policy. Interpreters will bill for the full time booked regardless of whether an appointment ends early or a client fails to appear.
How do I know if I am hiring a qualified interpreter?
You may ask to see an interpreter’s license to practice at any point. Interpreters are obligated to provide proof of licensure upon request.
You may also ask what specialized training, experience, and additional credentials interpreters hold.
Some assignments, such as conferences and theatrical performances, are billed at a flat rate for the entirety of the work.
Ask the interpreter you are working with for their cancellation policy. Interpreters will bill for the full time booked regardless of whether an appointment ends early or a client fails to appear.
How far in advance should I request an interpreter?
ASL interpreters are in high demand nation-wide, creating a competitive market. It is always best to submit a request as soon as you know of a need for interpretive services.
If you have an urgent need, it can be effective to set multiple tentative appointment times and confirm a single time after an interpreter has been secured.
Requests are considered last-minute when they are submitted less than a week from the date of the assignment depending on the assignment’s duration.
Where can I find a licensed interpreter?
The Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has an interpreter directory that provides information to directly contact interpreters for services, and a list of local agencies that provide interpreting services, found further down on this page.
The Idaho Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf also has an interpreter directory you can find interpreters and contact them directly.
Depending on your area and availability of local interpreters, you may contact the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for additional resources.
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) maintains the list of licensed interpreters and registered Deaf interpreters in the State of Idaho.
How many interpreters do I need?
Interpreters generally work in teams of two for any assignment that is longer than one hour, or that is complex in nature. This is for reasons of occupational safety and quality assurance.
Consult with the interpreter or agency you are working with to assess your need.
Is there assistance to help cover the cost of interpreting services?
Yes. Please note that while these exist to help defray the cost associated with providing accommodations, they do not change your obligation to ensure access.
Tax Credits: The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of accommodations, including providing interpreters.
Medicaid providers: Qualified Medicaid Providers may bill Medicaid for reimbursement for sign language interpreters using code T1013-CG. See here for more information regarding interpreter reimbursement through Medicaid. Idaho Medicaid Interpreter Reimbursement FAQ
What information should I include in an initial interpreter request?
In an initial request you should include the date, time, general setting, and general location (virtual/town name) of the assignment.
Once an interpreter has confirmed that they are available, give them the name of the Deaf client and relevant details of the setting. If there is anything to indicate a conflict of interest or that the setting is outside the interpreter’s scope of practice, the interpreter will decline the job at this point. You should also send the interpreters any materials they will need to be able to prepare for the assignment including any slide decks, agendas, etc.
Once you have confirmed your interpreter(s), notify the Deaf client(s) and include the name of the interpreter(s).
I have a staff member who knows ASL, can they interpret?
No. Idaho Code § 54-29 clearly defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting regardless of the job title. If that person is functioning as an interpreter, they must be licensed.
An employee may use sign language to directly communicate with the Deaf client within the scope of their job, if the Deaf client is amenable to the arrangement. This is NOT the act of interpreting and DOES NOT require that they hold an interpreting license. It is best practice to have a policy in place to determine when an employee has met fluency standards.
When are sign language interpreters exempt from licensure?
Interpreting for school aged students in education and are authorized under the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act (IC § 33-1301 – IC § 33-1304)
Court (must abide by ICAR Rule 52)
Inconsequential situations (ordering food at a restaurant, shopping, carnival ride, etc.)
Private events (weddings, family reunions, etc.)
Religious services
Temporary interpreting services in “exigent emergency circumstances” until a qualified interpreter can be obtained
All other settings are subject to IC § 54-29 regardless of compensation.
How do I make a phone call to a Deaf person?
If you would like to contact a Deaf person and have their phone number, you can simply call that number as you would any other phone number. This will connect you through a relay service. If the Deaf person is a sign language user, an ASL interpreter will relay the conversation between you. This service, know as Video Relay Service (VRS), is funded through the FCC, is secure, and fully compliant with HIPAA.
When receiving a call made through VRS, handle it as you would any other phone call.
If the person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing brings a friend, family member, or child with them to interpret, can they serve as a client-appointed interpreter?
No, unless the individual is a licensed interpreter, this is a violation of the Idaho Code 54-29. If the client-appointed interpreter goes forth with interpreting, they could potentially edit the client’s message, add their own opinions, answer for the individual, or impede the development of the client relationship.
A minor child should NEVER be used as an interpreter except in an emergency involving imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public.
Agencies in Idaho
Agencies that specialize in ASL interpretation work with the requester to coordinate all aspects of hiring and scheduling. They use a network of interpreters that may include many of the same interpreters who contract directly as well as those who exclusively work through agencies. They ensure that contracted interpreters are in compliance with state mandated license requirements and any additional laws, work with the requestor to provide continuity of service, provide both on site and video remote interpretation services, manage last minute replacements in the event that an interpreter cancels, and are equipped to fill urgent requests.
Video Remote Interpreting
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is a service utilizing video cameras to provide sign language interpreting services without an interpreter present. A typical VRI setup puts a Deaf person and a person who can hear in the same room while the interpreter joins virtually through an iPad or laptop.
VRI can also refer to an interpreter joining and interpreting fully virtual settings, such as telehealth meetings or video conferences. This generally uses a different type of conferencing platform and may require separate protocols.
Many companies provide on-demand services and bill in shorter increments. Note that most VRI companies are based in other states and may not be familiar with local licensing requirements. Make sure that they will be able to meet Idaho requirements before entering into contract.
Minimum Standards for Video Remote Interpreting in Medical Settings