Medical Sign Language Interpreting
Credentialed and experienced medical sign language interpreters for appointments, exams, surgeries, in-patient care, recovery, and more!
Medical Sign Language Interpreting
Qualified and individually picked to match your patients’ needs and preferences, our sign language interpreters are prepared to make your appointments as personal as you do.
Never worked with an interpreter before?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve included some helpful tips to ensure your inclusive experience goes smoothly.
Tips for Working With Medical Sign Language Interpreters
- Request a medical sign language interpreter as soon as the Deaf patient schedules an appointment. Scheduling an interpreter early ensures the most qualified professional for your appointment.
- If the Deaf person has communicated an interpreter preference, such as a specific gender, language, or religious background, please include these details in your request. If you are unsure which services are best for your patient, reach out to an ICS coordinator for assistance.
- Anticipate the interpreter arriving 10-20 minutes prior to the appointment. Ensure the interpreter has all necessary parking and security clearances.
- Always speak directly to the patient, never to the interpreter. Address the patient in first person language (ex: “How are you feeling today?” instead of “How is she feeling today?”) and maintain respectable eye contact with your patient, as you normally would.
- Medical personnel do not need to speak slower for the interpreter; however, clear and precise language does help to ensure your patient leaves with a proper understanding of their visit.
- It is not uncommon for there to be occasional lapses of silence as the interpreter communicates or clarifies points with your patient, particularly when discussing medical history or medications. The interpreter may request the spelling of a medication or an unfamiliar term or condition.
- An interpreter never signs any documentation or makes decisions on behalf of a patient. Please respect the patient’s autonomy by addressing them directly and not handing papers with the patient's PII to the interpreter.
- Respect the interpreters scheduled end-time. This causes delays in the interpreter's schedule and can result in additional service charges.
- If a follow-up or referral appointment is scheduled, please refrain from asking the on-site interpreter if they are available. Instead, submit all follow-up or referral appointment requests to ICS directly so our coordinators can secure an appropriately qualified interpreter.
- Still unsure? Reach out to an ICS coordinator to ask a question or discuss how to prepare for your service request.
Sign language, Captioning, and Accessible Media Services
Premium accommodation services for the Deaf, Deaf-blind, blind, and hard-of-hearing. Available in Person and Online!
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