28 Review Model, Policies and Practices of Interpreter Referral Companies

Proposed Solution: Interpreter referral companies in Minnesota are typically for-profit businesses. Each also has their ties with the communities served and holds deep values in their services. Multiple concerns are raised by DDBHH consumers and interpreters that relate to interpreter referral company practices and policies. With confidentiality, information sharing from referral companies is often restrained, increasing consumers’ and interpreters’ desires for transparency. Examples include: Requesting specific interpreters but being assigned a staff interpreter who is not preferred Inability for DDBHH consumers to know what is happening with their interpreting request, disconnect of consumer not having access to information about their own services Desire for DDBHH consumers to have access to more information about the interpreters on the company’s list – specializations, background knowledge and skills in the specific setting where they are assigned, seeing a sample of interpreter’s signing skills, etc. A working group from interpreter and consumer represented entities could develop a wish list of interpreter referral company practices and policies that would benefit them. Once this list is shared with companies, a response from each company would be shared with the communities impacted.

Expected outcome: More clarity of what interpreters and DDBHH consumers are seeking from interpreter referral companies. Transparent community conversations with interpreter referral companies who earn income from serving the DDBHH and interpreting communities.

Who is impacted: Consumers, interpreters