EWCDHH Sign Language
Interpreter Referral Service
Phone: (509) 328-3728
Toll Free: (800) 214-3323
Fax: (509) 327- 4622
E-mail: interpreter services
After Hours Cell # (509) 990-9674
Easy Download, Print and Fax Request Forms
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The Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (EWCDHH) has been providing sign language interpreters and other technical assistance for the past 20 years. We are able to meet your interpreting needs 24hours a day, 7 days a week with qualified interpreters matched to your individual situation. In contracting with us, you avoid the hunt for an available interpreter. We also provide the due diligence necessary to assure you that the interpreter that is chosen has the requisite skill, credentialing and business practices that will satisfy your best practices and accrediting bodies.
Because of our commitment to security and confidentiality, all of our interpreters are fully screened both by our organization and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). They have passed a State Department of Social and Health Services or Washington State Patrol background review - important to you if you are working with vulnerable populations or children. All our interpreters are trained in HIPAA and state privacy laws, and wear identification at all assignments.
Why Do I Need A Sign Language
Interpreter?
If you are a business owner or provide services to the public, chances are you will one day need to communicate with the Deaf, Deaf / Blind or Hard of Hearing. Interpreter Services at the Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is here to help you fill that need. We are a full service not-for-profit agency serving Eastern and Central Washington and Northern Idaho.
Can All Deaf People Read Lips?
No. Even those who can read lips are only able to access between 5% and 26% of what is being said.
Can I Communicate With the Deaf By
Writing Back and Forth?
The majority of Deaf individuals communicate by using American Sign Language (ASL). This language does not have a written form and has a different grammatical structure than English. When a hearing person writes a note in English word order, it will not make any sense in American Sign Language.
Can I Have a Friend or Family Member Be the Interpreter?
Over 90% of all Deaf individuals are in families with family members that have normal hearing. Most do not have family members that can sign fluently. There would also be a conflict of interest with family members acting as an interpreter for your organization.
I Have a Sign Language Book and I Know the Alphabet. Isn't that Good Enough?
Knowing the alphabet is a good step toward communicating with the Deaf, however, there are many different sign systems that cannot be summed up in one book. American Sign Language, Signing Exact English, and Pidgin Sign Language are just a few of the communication systems used by the Deaf community. To do the interpreting yourself would be the same as having a clerk take the place of your doctor because he or she took a couple of classes in anatomy in high school.
Does the Law Require Me to Provide Reasonable Accommodation?
The
American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides people with disabilities the
right to equal access and public accommodations. Washington State Law also
requires that businesses, organizations and government agencies make their
services accessible to the Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing. You should
check with your tax professional about Federal tax incentives regarding
interpreter expenses (IRS Title 26 Sections 44 and 190).
For more information regarding the Federal ADA Law click here www.ada.gov
Phone: (509) 328-3728
Toll Free: (800) 214-3323
Fax: (509) 327-4622
E-mail: info@ewcdhh.org
After Hours Cell # (509) 990-9674