Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much advance notice do you need to arrange an interpreter?
A: EIS does not have a requirement as to when requests will be accepted. The sooner a request is received, the more likely your request will be filled with a qualified interpreter. We understand there are times when advanced notice cannot given, and we do our best to fill those last minute requests as well.
Q: Why do you have a two hour minimum?
A: EIS subcontracts with independent contractors for all interpreting assignments. A two-hour minimum is an industry standard when working with Independent Contractors. Interpreters work several places in one day and much of their time is spent driving from one location to another. The two-hour minimum charge helps to compensate for their travel to and from assignments.
Q: I requested one interpreter for our event. Why are you sending two?
A: When the sign interpreting profession was in its youth, interpreters often interpreted alone for long periods of time. These working conditions caused interpreters to develop various forms of repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. Suddenly, many interpreters were unable to work due to injury. This forced the interpreting field to re-examine working conditions. The industry standard became team interpreting for anything longer than 1 to 1.5 hours of continuous interpreting. The potential for occupational injury obliges us to determine when the services of two interpreters will be necessary. Team interpreting allows the interpreter to take physical breaks although they are still working by supporting their team in providing accurate interpretation.
In addition to the daily physical wear and tear of interpreting on the body, the mental process of interpreting is complex and taxing. It is well documented that the accuracy of interpreting diminishes as interpreting continues without breaks.
Q: If two interpreters are needed for a 1 hour meeting, would that be a two-hour minimum per interpreter?
A: Yes, two hours is the minimum charged per interpreter. We certainly understand and respect the financial impact on the requesting agency; however, we have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the interpreters. Moreover, interpreters do not accept assignments of one and a half hours of continuous interpreting without the support of a team.
Q: Are there exceptions to sending two interpreters?
A: Yes, there are a few exceptions to sending two interpreters: one-on-one meetings, job interviews, job fairs, public booths, lecture/lab trainings, or assignments where appropriate breaks are given. Some K-12 assignments and community training sessions are not teamed as teachers and instructors tend to lecture then give down time for students and participants to complete class or lab work. However, if there are core classes back to back, lengthy lectures, scheduled presentations, or continuous interpreting without breaks, a team of interpreters will be necessary.
Q: How do you determine the need for a team of interpreters in Elementary or Middle School?
A: Repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome take place frequently in the interpreting community, especially in educational settings where interpreters are often left alone without a team. The need for a team in educational settings can be particularly difficult to predict, especially in middle school and high school. The need for a team varies from school, class, and teacher. We typically send two interpreters for the first couple of days to get a sense of the work environment. Instructors tend to lecture more during the first few days of class then the amount of lecture wanes as the class continues.
The amount of interpreting has much less to do with the student and their communication mode than with the teaching styles of individual instructors. Some teachers speak quickly and consistently with a great deal of lecture, while others teach at a slower pace with more in-class activities. The slower pace method allows the interpreters’ muscles and tendons at risk to rest.
Q: Is there a charge for late cancellations?
A: Yes, cancellation of assignments without the required notice will be charged for the scheduled time. The interpreters that work through EIS are all independent contractors and it is standard practice in the field that they bill for late cancellations and no-shows. When cancellations are received with the required notice, no charges will incur. Cancellations with notice allow the interpreters to locate other work.
Q: Do you charge mileage or travel?
A: EIS does not charge for mileage; although, we charge for travel if the interpreters travel outside of their service area. EIS makes every attempt to schedule local interpreters for assignments, but due to the high demand for services and short supply of qualified interpreters, we are not always able to do so.
If travel occurs, the following guideline is used:
over 40 miles round trip = .5 hr travel
over 60 miles round trip = 1 hr travel
over 100 miles round trip = 1.5 hr travel