A: Yes and No. The law requires the individual providing the interpreting service must be a “qualified interpreter.” “Signing” and “interpreting” are completely different tasks. An interpreter is able to impartially interpret spoken language into the equivalent of signed language. A “signer,” or low certified person, can rarely accomplish this. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) and the Oklahoma Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) has an established process to help determine who is qualified, either by certification or screening. For most interpreting situations, a QAST level 4 up to RID or NAD 4 & 5 are considered “qualified.” SLRS tiers these certifications and screenings as levels. The higher the level, the better skills the interpreter possesses. Of course, the best person to determine if an interpreter is qualified is the deaf person. The deaf person should always be asked if the accommodation provided, is indeed “qualified.”

Q: I have a staff member who signs pretty well; can I just use her to interpret?