Benefits:
Some of the benefits to using COPD as your interpreter referral agency are as follows:

• The staff here at COPD are familiar with most of the Deaf and Hard-of Hearing community members through out the state. We have a running list of their preferred sign styles, their preferred interpreters, as well as those interpreters that they do not feel comfortable with.
• We only use nationally certified sign language interpreters and have more than 100 working through us state-wide. We are familiar with their individual skill levels and experience. Having this information helps us in attempting to provide the best-suited interpreter for any given situation.
• The Interpreting Program Director provides very close supervision of our independent contract interpreters. Any feedback, either positive or negative, from the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing or hearing consumers is passed along to the interpreter, anonymously if need be, in an effort to support the ongoing professional development of our interpreters. We also welcome any feedback pertaining to the interpreting program itself as we strive to improve interpreter referral in the state of New Mexico.
• COPD has established an emergency referral service that is accessible to hiring agencies after regular business hours. We have a rotating group of nationally certified interpreters "on-call" to respond to any medical, psychiatric or legal emergency situations.

What is American Sign Language?
American Sign Language (ASL) is used in the U.S. and many parts of Canada. ASL descended from French Sign Language (FSL), brought to North America by educators in the early 19th century. ASL is not universal. In general, each country has its own sign language(s) as well as its own spoken language(s). Other signing/communication systems, like Manually Coded English (MCE) are used in the U.S. Some interpreters specialize in Signed English or "transliteration".

What is a "qualified" interpreter?
A qualified interpreter is one who is able to effectively bridge the communication needs of all participants. The use of friends or family is strongly discouraged because of the emotional or personal involvement and confidentiality factors that may adversely affect the communication of critical information.

Professional interpreters have taken years of specialized training and have taken a certification or rating exam to determine their level of competency. They also adhere to a strict code of ethics which promotes neutrality, confidentiality and objectivity.

A person who has taken a few basic classes in American Sign Language is not an interpreter. An interpreter needs to be fully fluent in both languages, ASL and English, and both cultures, to meet the complex needs of various communication settings.

Why is an Interpreter needed when...We can write notes?
Writing takes 5-6 times longer than using an interpreter, it is cumbersome and limited in content, often resulting in misunderstandings. Also, many Deaf or hard of hearing individuals do not have a sufficient mastery of the English language to successfully access the communication through writing. The most skilled lip reader is able to recognize only ~ 30% of what is said, the remaining 70% is left to guess work with a need for repeated clarification. Who needs interpreters?

The ADA strongly encourages that the Deaf or hard of hearing person be consulted as to his/her needs for effective communication. The Deaf or hard of hearing person is held to be the best judge of the need for interpreter services especially in situations involving lengthy or complex issues such as physical or mental health, legal, educational or financial matters. What is an interpreter's role?

The interpreter is not a participant in an interview or meeting. S/he is there to facilitate communication between the hearing and deaf persons. When using a sign language or oral interpreter, speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing, not the interpreter. It is a violation of the interpreter's code of ethics to become personally involved in the process at any time—before, during, or after the interview/meeting.

Is there a fee to hiring an interpreter?
Interpreters are highly trained professionals who charge for their services. There is an hourly fee, with a two hour minimum charge. While every effort will be made to find a qualified interpreter local to the assignment, this may not always be possible. If necessary mileage or travel time will be charged.

For more information as to the fees COPD charges please call the Interpreting Department: (505) 255-7636 or (800) 229-4262

Tax Benefits are available to small businesses. The 1990 amendment to the Internal Revenue Code permits eligible small businesses to receive a tax credit, up to 50% of the annual cost, for certain expenditure of compliance with the ADA. These costs include necessary and reasonable costs of interpreters and other auxiliary aids.

While we will attempt to fill all requests for interpreters, COPD does suggest, if possible, a minimum of 5 working days.

Contact Information:
Community Outreach Programs for the Deaf(COPD)
10601 Lomas NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 255-7636