Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I request an interpreter?
2. I have never used interpreting services before-how do I get information?
3. How do I figure out what type of interpreter/language is needed?
4. How much in advance should I request an interpreter?
5. What is the minimum period of time that we can book interpreting services?
6. How many interpreters do I need?
7. How much does it cost to hire an interpreter?
8. What happens if I need to extend interpreting services beyond the time that was originally requested or if I need to change the time of a request?
9. What if I need to cancel services?
10. Does PIE offer sign language and foreign language interpreters?
11. What if I have an emergency and need an interpreter after hours?
12. Are there really laws that state my organization must provide interpreting services?
13. Who should be specified as the POC (Point of Contact) on the request for service?
14. Why is it important for interpreters to get handouts, powerpoints, agendas, etc., ahead of time?
15. Do interpreters follow a code of ethics?
16. What is a CDI and when should we request one?
17. Do you offer classes or training?
18.Is it easy to learn sign language?
19. Is sign language universal?
20. Can deaf people read lips?
21. Why do we need an interpreter? Can’t we just write messages back and forth?
22. Why can’t we just use friends or family of the deaf person to interpret?
23. We have an employee who knows sign language, why can’t we use them to interpret?
1. How do I request an interpreter?
Simply submit a Request for Service or have the official requestor for your organization fax a copy of one that you may have on file. We MUST have the Request for Service form before an interpreter can be scheduled. No phone or email request will be accepted. Go to Top of Page
2. I have never used interpreting services before-how do I get information?
Helpful information is provided on our Resources page. After you review our website, please do not hesitate to contact us if you still have unanswered questions and we will be more than happy to help you. Go to Top of Page
3. How do I figure out what type of interpreter/language is needed?
It is best to find out directly from the consumer. We provide many foreign language interpretations and variants of sign language. Please be as specific as possible when requesting sign language services. Ask the consumers if they are: ASL, PSE, SEE1, SEE2, Cued Speech, MCE, Signed English, Oral w/sign Support, Oral Transliteration (no sign language), Tactile (Deaf-Blind), or MLS. Go to Top of Page
4. How much in advance should I request an interpreter?
Our agency typically books 2 weeks in advance and our schedule fills quickly. Even though we accept emergency/last minute requests, we recommend that you contact us ASAP to ensure service and compliance with applicable laws. Go to Top of Page
5. What is the minimum period of time that we can book interpreting services?
There is a 2 hour minimum for services. Go to Top of Page
6. How many interpreters do I need?
Requests for assignments greater than 2 hours in length will require 2 interpreters. Assignments that are less than 2 hours, but require intensive, continuous interpreting may require 2 interpreters. In the latter case, our office will inform you if 2 interpreters are necessary. Go to Top of Page
7. How much does it cost to hire an interpreter?
Please contact us and we will send a rate sheet to you. Go to Top of Page
8. What happens if I need to extend interpreting services beyond the time that was originally requested or if I need to change the time of a request?
Interpreter(s) will only provide service during the period specified in the request for services. ONLY the organization’s official requestor may ask for extended time by submitting another request form prior to the scheduled ending time. The interpreter(s) may stay if no subsequent engagements are scheduled and it has been approved by the requestor and our office. If you know that the day/time of scheduled service needs to be changed, please send over a new request stating that ASAP. Go to Top of Page
9. What if I need to cancel services?
For all cancellations, call the office immediately and then fax a written cancellation to our office by using the original request form and writing CANCEL on it. Please refer to the rate sheets that we provided to you for applicable cancelation fees. Go to Top of Page
10. Does PIE offer sign language and foreign language interpreters?
Yes, PIE offers interpreters for both sign and foreign languages. We also offer written translation for foreign languages. Go to Top of Page
11. What if I have an emergency and need an interpreter after hours?
Our normal business hours are M-F 8am-5pm, Eastern Time. You may call the office and leave a message on our emergency voicemail or you may call our after-hours pager at 410-389-8820. All other calls should be placed during normal business hours. Go to Top of Page
12. Are there really laws that state my organization must provide interpreting services?
Yes. It is likely that laws requiring interpreting services are applicable to your organization. You can find more information on laws on our Resources page and at www.rid.org and www.nad.org. Go to Top of Page
13. Who should be specified as the POC (Point of Contact) on the request for service?
It should be a person who is on-site and available to escort the interpreter. The deaf client should not be the POC for interpreters. Not all interpreters have text/e-mail-capable phones. The interpreter must be able to connect with someone live and on-site. Go to Top of Page
14. Why is it important for interpreters to get handouts, powerpoints, agendas, etc., ahead of time?
Interpreters need to have as much preparation as possible to effectively interpret during an assignment (same idea as the presenter practicing prior to a presentation). Please be considerate and provide PIE with as much information as possible when requesting services. This may mean you will have to contact people in your organization to get their materials in advance and forward them to PIE. Go to Top of Page
15. Do interpreters follow a code of ethics?
Yes. Professional sign language interpreters must follow the RID’s Code of Professional Conduct. You may visit www.rid.org to find out more about neutrality and confidentiality of interpreters. Go to Top of Page
16. What is a CDI and when should we request one?
CDI means Certified Deaf Interpreter, a deaf person who has taken and passed the RID CDI certification. CDIs are typically used in conjunction with hearing sign language interpreters in various settings (including medical and legal) when clients are either from another country in which they use different or limited sign language or they might have minimum/limited language skills that make it difficult for a hearing sign language interpreter to understand. A CDI’s primary language is sign, miming, and gesturing; therefore, they can understand more than a hearing sign language interpreter. PIE will inform you if the assignment requires a CDI. You can find out more on www.rid.org and www.nad.org. Go to Top of Page
17. Do you offer classes or training?
We do offer basic sign language training for persons who would like to learn signs for simple conversation or signs for work-related vocabulary. This training requires ongoing (more than one) sessions. Sign language is like any other language; you have to be exposed to it over time to have it sink in. We also offer sensitivity training in which we discuss the impact of interpreters and the deaf culture on hearing consumers. For more in-depth training and understanding, please contact www.rid.org, www.nad.org, or your local RID chapter for more information. Contact us for rates. Go to Top of Page
18. Is it easy to learn sign language?
Yes and no, depending on an individual’s ability to learn a visual language. If you are interested in learning sign language, please contact your local college or university for class or program offerings. You also may look at www.rid.org and www.nad.org for more information. Go to Top of Page
19. Is sign language universal?
No. Almost every country has its own version of sign language. Here in the USA, we use ASL and its derivatives. Go to Top of Page
20. Can deaf people read lips?
Only a small percentage of deaf/hard-of-hearing persons can read lips. Even at its best, this is not an effective way to communicate. To ensure accurate communication, contact PIE for interpreting services. Go to Top of Page
21. Why do we need an interpreter? Can’t we just write messages back and forth?
Again, this is not an effective way to communicate. Most deaf people’s primary language is ASL, not English. Contact PIE and we can provide you with an interpreter to ensure accurate communication. Go to Top of Page
22. Why can’t we just use friends or family of the deaf person to interpret?
In many cases, friends and family cannot remain neutral during an interpretation. PIE offers professional interpreters that follow the RID’s Codes of Professional Conduct to ensure that each assignment is kept confidential and each interpreter remains neutral. Go to Top of Page
23. We have an employee who knows sign language, why can’t we use them to interpret?
Signing and interpreting are two very different skills. While signing requires only a vocabulary of signs; interpreting is an intricate process that includes knowledge of proper signs, processing concepts, delivering accurate interpretation, and voicing for the deaf client when needed. As with any profession, interpreting well requires education, certification, training, continued professional development, and many years of experience. Go to Top of Page
