faq
FAQ
1. Where do we interpret?
We provide services all throughout the greater metro Washington D.C area. Settings include, but are not limited to, government agencies, private businesses and higher education.
2. How do I start working with Access Interpreting?
Currently we are working mainly on a referral basis because our assessment process is still in the works. Please contact us to discuss your background, qualifications, and to work together to identify interpreters who can refer you.
3. Do I have to be certified to work with Access Interpreting?
While certification is preferred, we recognize that many well-qualified interpreters do not hold certifications. Please contact us to discuss your background, qualifications, and to work together to identify interpreters who can refer you.
4. How can I qualify for health and dental benefits?
All you have to do is work with AI for an average of 20 hours per week per quarter. If you meet this requirement for 3 consecutive months then you are eligible for benefits. Every three months we run a check to see that the hour requirement has been met.
5. Can I lose my benefits?
As long as you maintain the minimum average hour requirements you will not lose your benefits. If you do not, we will be in touch to offer you the option to make up the hours in the next quarter or you can opt to not continue in the benefit program. We will not terminate anybody’s coverage without having made every reasonable attempt to contact them. Interpreters will receive 30 days notice prior to the termination of benefits.
6. Who is Access’ dental and healthcare provider?
For the foreseeable future Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield covers us for both healthcare and dental.
7. What happens if there aren’t enough services to be able to work an average of 20 hours per week?
This is an understandable fear, it is our goal to keep the number of staff positions at a minimum leaving the large majority of our work to be done by freelancers. In the greater metro Washington area, the demand for interpreters is far greater than the supply, leaving no shortage of work. We work to be an attractive option for requestors, ensuring that we are able to provide you with enough work.
1. What types of interpreting services does Access provide?
We provide sign language-English interpreting that reflects the range of language use in the Deaf community from ASL to more English-based types of signing.
We also provide DeafBlind interpreting services, including tactile and close vision interpreting.
2. Are all interpreters certified?
Certification is preferred and the large majority interpreters we work with are certified. A handful of interpreters we work with are uncertified. Our primary concern is quality, and we recognize that there are highly skilled interpreters who do not hold certification.
We use an initial screening process, interpreters’ professional discretion, and the information we get from requestors to make decisions about which interpreters to place on assignments.
3. How do I know how many interpreters are needed?
Generally, for assignments that entail more than 1.5 hours of consistent interpreting, 2 interpreters are required. Of course, the details of each assignment will determine how many interpreters are needed at your event.
4. Am I required to provide an interpreter based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The answer depends on the size of your organization. You can refer to the ADA website or helpline for accurate, up-to-date answers. www.ada.gov
Please note, that even if your organization is not required by law to provide interpreting services, it can be essential to providing equal access and information for your deaf employees, patients, or consumers.
5. Can I request a specific interpreter or one with specific qualifications?
Of course! At Access Interpreting, we believe in consumer service and will try our best to meet the particular needs of requesting individuals, and/or customers.