Signed Language Interpreter Referral
Interpreter Referral
Agencies, business, and individuals seeking qualified and licensed Signed Language Interpreters have several options. Some Interpreters work through interpreter referral agencies, while others contract privately with the hiring entity. The most important consideration when hiring an interpreter is to assure that he or she is qualified for the specific assignment so that effective communication can occur between all of the participants.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind are provided with accommodations to facilitate effective communication.
Statewide Interpreter Referral Services
All of the agencies listed below serve the state of New Mexico. Agencies and individuals are encouraged to establish agreements with multiple companies for their interpreting needs, as none of the agreements are 'exclusive' and often one agency is a better choice in one situation while another is a better fit for a different situation.
Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD)
10601 Lomas Blvd NE, Suite 112
Albuquerque, NM 87112
505.255.7636
800.229.4262
www.copdnm.org
Interpreting Director – Cathy Shemash: cshemash@copdnm.org
We Interpret.Net (WIN)
6100 Seagull NE, Suite B-105
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.872.1200
www.WeInterpret.net
Interpreting Coordinator – Marti Stockdale: marti@weinterpret.net
The Bridge Interpreter Referral Service
PO Box 1823
Belen, NM 87002
505.861.2101
www.TheInterpreterBridge.com
Interpreting Director – Keith Falzone: theinterpreterbridge@gmail.com
Rio Grande Connections
601 Montaño Road
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505.307.5230
Director – Lin Marksbury
Access American Sign Language (AASL)
5900 A Tierra Antigun St. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
505.999.0608
www.AASLNM.com
Interpreting Director – Paul Keough: Paul@AASLNM.com
Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)
James B. Saunders, Jr.
National Interpreter Resource Director
102 N. Krohn Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
605-496-0737
jsaunders@c-s-d.org
Fluent Language Solutions, Inc.
Jim Pfeiffer, VP, Sales & Marketing
Direct: 704-926-5015
Toll-Free: 888-225-6056
www.fluentls.com
jim@fluentls.com
State Procurement Process
The State of New Mexico has a Statewide Price Agreement in place for the provision of signed language interpreters. Most of the agencies listed above are included on the Price Agreement. The Statewide Price Agreement can be found in the “Personal Services” section of the list under “Interpreter Services” at www.generalservices.state.nm.us/statepurchasing/Statewide_Price_Agreements.aspx. State Agencies are required to use the established price agreements, and other entities may use them as a reference as they research price and procedures for hiring interpreters.
State Licensure
New Mexico requires all signed language interpreters to be licensed in order to protect deaf and hard of hearing consumers. Practicing without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or up to a $1000 fine. Interpreting is defined as any form of facilitating communication in a visual form, regardless of the individual's job title or position description. The statute, rules, forms and a searchable database of licensed interpreters can be found at the website of the Signed Language Interpreting Practice Board: www.rld.state.nm.us/SignedLanguage.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
RID is the national professional organization and certifying body for signed language interpreters. A searchable database of interpreters available for freelance work is included on their website under "Find an Interpreter" in the left navigation column: www.RID.org. Also check out the other resources available on the RID website regarding hiring an interpreter: http://rid.org/content/index.cfm/AID/62.
For additional information, please contact:
Lisa Dignan, M.Ed., CI and CT
Director of Communication Access and Development
New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2500 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Suite 400
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Lisa.Dignan@state.nm.us
800.489.8536 - Toll Free
505.881.8824 - V/TTY
505.881.8831 - Fax
505.435.9210 - VP