Got questions? We’ve got answers! Explore our FAQs for quick solutions and insights.
Interpreting Questions
What is the difference between ASL, Deaf Interpreting and Virtual interpreting?
This visual explains the differences in different types of interpreting
ASL Interpreting
A qualified Interpreter interprets and facilitates communication between individuals who use Spoken English and American Sign Language, respectively.
Deaf Interpreting
A qualified Deaf Interpreter with specific skills is paired with a sign language interpreter to further facilitate communication. The Deaf Interpreter works primarily with individuals who are DeafBlind, Second Language users, or have other language needs that only a Deaf Interpreter is trained to provide.
Virtual Interpreting Services
Virtual Interpreting Services are similar to ASL Interpreting but conducted virtually. The interpreter connects with all individuals via the preferred virtual meeting platform.
What’s a CDI and why would I need one?
Certified Deaf interpreters (CDIs) are Deaf themselves, and they share a common language and culture with the Deaf consumers they serve, which may lead to more effective communication and reduced misunderstandings.
Deaf interpreters have specialized training and are particularly adept at accommodating a variety of communication needs found in the Deaf community, which may include individuals who are:
- From other countries using their sign language that is different from American Sign Language.
- Limited in their proficiency in American Sign Language.
- DeafBlind or have limited vision.
- In a situation where clear communication is critical, such as legal or psychiatric settings.
- Children, especially in sensitive or critical situations and dependent upon the age and language development of the child.
- Native signers that request a Deaf interpreter, especially during a crisis or traumatic situation. NOTE: The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf has issued the following statement about the use of CDIs for press conferences: https://rid.org/rid-position-statement-cdis-at-press-conferences/
What is team interpreting and when is it required?
While all language interpreting is mentally taxing, sign language interpreting adds a physical dimension. For this reason, sign language interpeters often work in pairs while on assignments. Team interpreters altermate interpreting duties to reduce mental and phyical fatique. In this way, the use of team interpreters reduces the potential for errors and ensures accuracy.
- Consider the duration of the interaction. Longer meetings or events may require rotating interpreters to prevent fatigue and maintain quality communication.
- Language Fluency: The proficiency of the interpreter in both sign language and the spoken language being used is crucial. In some cases, Deaf individuals may use specialized sign languages, such as ASL, which require highly skilled interpreters.
- Simultaneous Interpreting: For situations where multiple people are speaking or there is a simultaneous conversation, multiple interpreters may be needed to handle the complexity of the communication.
For more information this topic, visit: http://www.interpretereducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Fact_Sheet_American_Sign_Language_Interpreter_Teams.pdf
What are the qualifications to be a Sign Language Interpreter in Connecticut?
All Sign Language interpreters must register with The CT Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) in order to provide interpreting services in Connecticut.
To register with ADS, interpreters must have a passing score on the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Exam or acceptable equivalent, be in good standing with the Registry of the Interpreters of the Deaf (RID) and complete the necessary amount of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) required.
You can find the current list of registered interpreters: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/aginganddisability/interpreterlisting/registeredinterpreterlisting.pdf
Our Process & Policies
What information do I need to provide when requesting an interpreter?
Whether submitting a request to our scheduling team via email or placing a request using our online platform, providing the right details is crucial in order for our team to effectively schedule the right interpreters to meet your needs.
Please include: Reason for request (meeting, appointment, class, etc.) name(s) of Deaf, Hard of Hearing or other ASL using consumers, location address (if virtual provide online link) length of time needed, and any pertinent prep information such as meeting agendas, background information, syllabus, slides for presentations, etc.
The more information provided to our team allows us to knowledgeably schedule interpreters who are a fit culturally and linguistically, as well as match their unique skill sets and abilities to the consumers effectively.
How much notice is needed to make a request?
2 weeks notice for all in person requests, and 1 week for remote whenever possible is best practice. We do accept short notice requests and will always do our best to accommodate regardless of lead time.
For larger events such as concerts, conferences, performances, etc, we recommend making your request at least 4-8 weeks in advance.
Why is there a two hour minimum?
This is an industry-standard for Sign Language Interpreting. This fee includes factors outside of just interpreting, so the interpreter is able to block off their time, prepare and review any materials and content pertaining to the request in advance, and connect with team interpreters if applicable to strategize working as a team. This ensures the interpreter(s) have ample time to be prepared, arrive early, and execute their job properly.
What is your cancellation policy?
Any cancellation of a confirmed assignment lasting 6 consecutive hours or less must be received during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M-F). Official cancellations cannot be processed on weekends (Saturdays or Sundays). All confirmed assignments will be billable in full unless formal cancellation notice is provided to the CoSignCT scheduling team 48 business hours in advance.
Cancellations of confirmed assignments scheduled for greater than (6) consecutive hours require 72 business hours notice.
CoSignCT will document receipt of client cancellations and will email clients a confirmed cancellation request to indicate that the client is no longer fiscally responsible for the services originally confirmed.
Any cancellation due to inclement weather providing less than 48 business hours notice will be billable.
Why am I responsible for requesting interpreters and paying for them?
The ADA makes it a requirement for businesses, nonprofits (including medical practices), and other public-serving entities to communicate effectively with individuals who have communication disabilities. This rule’s aim is to make sure that communication with people having these disabilities is just as good as communication with those who do not have disabilities. To learn more about your responsibility, https://www.ada.gov/resources/effective-communication
How many interpreters do I need to request?
Determining the number of interpreters needed to ensure effective communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals under ADA regulations depends on several factors such as individual Needs: The specific communication needs of the Deaf or hard-of-hearing person must be assessed. Some individuals may require sign language interpreters, while others may prefer CART services or assistive listening devices, complexity of communication and duration of interaction
Our scheduling team will be happy to advise the appropriate number of interpeters needed for each request on a case by case basis.
Still have questions?
CoSign Interpreting has provided exceptional service to our students! The staff at CoSignCT are extremely efficient and knowledgeable
Michele Castiola Disability Services Education Tunxis Community College
This past year we have booked an interpreter for over fifty events. CoSign Interpreting has made it very easy. I’m a very satisfied customer.
Lorraine Anagnost Human Resources Department Fairfield Public Schools
The collaborative work CoSign Interpreting does with their clients is unmatched. Maeve, Tim, and their team consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure client support through scheduling and the interpreters are always professional, courteous, and arrive ready to work and support our students. I cannot recommend CoSign Interpreting enough!
Morgan Conway Campus Lead for Disability and Accessibility Services Quinebaug Valley Community College
CoSign Interpreting has always been very helpful with meeting our agency’s ASL Interpreter needs, is supportive to our staff and the individuals we support and extremely responsive when a request is made. We have had nothing but positive experiences with CoSign Interpreting and would strongly recommend them to other providers
Elise Quaranta, B.S. Marrakech Inc.Vice President of Training & Staff Development
I have been working with CoSign Interpreting for almost a year now and the most important thing for me as a customer is transparent communication. With that said, it has been great and they have been very easy to work with
Irene Jazowick, MLIS Library Cataloging Assistant IV Yale University | Marx Science and Social Science Library
I found CoSign Interpreting to be very responsive to our needs when providing interpreters. I understand the experience of people who use interpreters has been very positive.
William Pierce Client Rights and Grievance SpecialistConnecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
I’ve worked for CoSign for more than two years now. It’s been awesome. CoSign is very responsive and efficient. Scheduling and billing are easy and payment is on time! The staff are always helpful and friendly when I need help. I love CoSign!
Alyson K. ASL Interpreter CT/CI
A few years ago, I moved here from a close-knit Deaf community on the West Coast. I wasn’t sure which interpreting agencies were reputable in the area, so I took the pulse of Deaf people and ASL interpreters and the name “CoSign” kept popping up. After working with Cosign for about a year, I realize why: their staff are professional, friendly, warm, hardworking, reliable and ethical. They are responsive to questions and concerns and make me feel at home! Thanks CoSign!
Michaela H. ASL Interpreter NIC
The jobs I accept with Cosign are prepared well “behind the scenes” well before I start interpreting. The office staff is spot on with expectations from the consumers as well as from the providers. The office staff is timely with a response when contacted, even in emergencies. They are all a pleasure to work with as allies.
Suzanne T. ASL Interpreter CSC
Cosign has been great to work with. They understand and care for the Deaf/hard of hearing community and support me well as an interpreter. Prep material is provided as often as possible, they communicate clearly all assignment related details and are always a text, call or email away. The teams I have worked with have all been skilled and professional. CoSign is a great agency and I feel fortunate to work together!
Connecticut Interpreter NIC Master
I joined at the end of the COVID era, which was nerve wracking to begin a career whilst being introduced to the Deaf community at the same time. Cosign made me feel welcomed to start my journey as a new sign language interpreter. The staff at Cosign are helpful with communication, prep materials, and the business aspect. This has made the interpreting process easier so we can focus on the real work for the community. My teams have been skilled, friendly, and share the same passion of this field. Looking forward to what the future holds under this agency and the people I get to work with
Connecticut Interpreter Pre-Cert RID Written/ITP
CoSign Interpreting has provided exceptional service to our students! The staff at CoSignCT are extremely efficient and knowledgeable
Michele Castiola Disability Services Education Tunxis Community College
This past year we have booked an interpreter for over fifty events. CoSign Interpreting has made it very easy. I’m a very satisfied customer.
Lorraine Anagnost Human Resources Department Fairfield Public Schools
The collaborative work CoSign Interpreting does with their clients is unmatched. Maeve, Tim, and their team consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure client support through scheduling and the interpreters are always professional, courteous, and arrive ready to work and support our students. I cannot recommend CoSign Interpreting enough!
Morgan Conway Campus Lead for Disability and Accessibility Services Quinebaug Valley Community College
CoSign Interpreting has always been very helpful with meeting our agency’s ASL Interpreter needs, is supportive to our staff and the individuals we support and extremely responsive when a request is made. We have had nothing but positive experiences with CoSign Interpreting and would strongly recommend them to other providers
Elise Quaranta, B.S. Marrakech Inc.Vice President of Training & Staff Development
I have been working with CoSign Interpreting for almost a year now and the most important thing for me as a customer is transparent communication. With that said, it has been great and they have been very easy to work with
Irene Jazowick, MLIS Library Cataloging Assistant IV Yale University | Marx Science and Social Science Library
I found CoSign Interpreting to be very responsive to our needs when providing interpreters. I understand the experience of people who use interpreters has been very positive.
William Pierce Client Rights and Grievance SpecialistConnecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
I’ve worked for CoSign for more than two years now. It’s been awesome. CoSign is very responsive and efficient. Scheduling and billing are easy and payment is on time! The staff are always helpful and friendly when I need help. I love CoSign!
Alyson K. ASL Interpreter CT/CI
A few years ago, I moved here from a close-knit Deaf community on the West Coast. I wasn’t sure which interpreting agencies were reputable in the area, so I took the pulse of Deaf people and ASL interpreters and the name “CoSign” kept popping up. After working with Cosign for about a year, I realize why: their staff are professional, friendly, warm, hardworking, reliable and ethical. They are responsive to questions and concerns and make me feel at home! Thanks CoSign!
Michaela H. ASL Interpreter NIC
The jobs I accept with Cosign are prepared well “behind the scenes” well before I start interpreting. The office staff is spot on with expectations from the consumers as well as from the providers. The office staff is timely with a response when contacted, even in emergencies. They are all a pleasure to work with as allies.
Suzanne T. ASL Interpreter CSC
Cosign has been great to work with. They understand and care for the Deaf/hard of hearing community and support me well as an interpreter. Prep material is provided as often as possible, they communicate clearly all assignment related details and are always a text, call or email away. The teams I have worked with have all been skilled and professional. CoSign is a great agency and I feel fortunate to work together!
Connecticut Interpreter NIC Master
I joined at the end of the COVID era, which was nerve wracking to begin a career whilst being introduced to the Deaf community at the same time. Cosign made me feel welcomed to start my journey as a new sign language interpreter. The staff at Cosign are helpful with communication, prep materials, and the business aspect. This has made the interpreting process easier so we can focus on the real work for the community. My teams have been skilled, friendly, and share the same passion of this field. Looking forward to what the future holds under this agency and the people I get to work with
Connecticut Interpreter Pre-Cert RID Written/ITP