Locating a Sign Language Interpreter in Pennsylvania
PARID is a non-profit agency and as such is not allowed to recommend particular agencies or interpreters. Generally, a business either contacts an agency or an individual interpreter and requests services directly. There is no state-wide agency that coordinates all interpreting services across the state. However, the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), does maintain a list of all registered interpreters working in PA. They also have a partial listing of interpreting agencies. The national association of Sign Language interpreters, RID, maintains a listing of both interpreter and interpreting agencies members.
Using a Sign Language Interpreter
Professional sign language interpreters are skilled at analyzing the surroundings and ensuring successful communication can occur. The interpreter will convey the signed message into a spoken language and the spoken message into a signed language. In a setting with few participants, the interpreter will stand or sit close by the primary speaker. In larger settings, there are many variables in play, and the interpreter will apprise the situation to ensure both hearing and deaf consumers' needs are met. If you have any concerns or questions consult the interpreter for clarification. For assignments that last over two hours, or that have challenging material, two or more interpreters may be necessary. For more detailed explanations you may wish to access the websites listed below. PARID provides these links as a courtesy and assumes no responsibility for the information listed.
Additionally, RID offers publications, called Standard Practice Papers, on a number of topics regarding interpreting. They can be downloaded here.