Interpreter Referral FAQ
Q – I need to hire an Interpreter! How can I find one?
A – PACE has a list of certified American Sign Language Interpreters. If you call PACE at (217) 344-5433 (v) or (217) 344-5024 (tty), you can request a copy of the list be mailed or faxed to you or your organization, If you prefer you may request the list on line, if you include your address we will be able to add you to our quarterly update mailing list. That way you can have accurate information on hand.
Q – How much do Interpreters cost?
A – The hourly rate of the American Sign Language Interpreter varies depending on a few factors. The level of certification, distance traveled, as well as the time involved, are used to calculate the rate the organization hiring the Interpreter will be billed. In the Champaign-Urbana area, American Sign Language Interpreters are not booked by a referral agency; instead, organizations needing interpreter services call interpreters themselves and are billed directly by the interpreter. At the time of booking, the interpreter can explain the fees involved. If the event will be longer than three hours, hiring two interpreters is suggested to ease interpreter fatigue and provide a better service to the Deaf client. Generally, interpreting services can run from $17.00 hourly to $34.00 hourly. The type of certification required is based on the needs of the Deaf client.
Q – What is the certification and why is it necessary?
A – In order to assure proper communication access for people who are deaf, American Sign Language Interpreters must have some form of certification to work in the state of Illinois. Due to the nature of the work involved, Interpreters must go through one of several testing systems to demonstrate they have the skill to facilitate communication with ease for both the Hearing and Deaf client. Certification sets a standard of quality and acts as a control to insure that all parties are being serviced with the most appropriate form of communication. There are two exceptions to this rule: Churches and k-12 school. Those two settings do not require certification, although one should hire an interpreter who has demonstrable skills.
A member of INCIL
Powered by Web Easel, a product of OJC Technologies