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A new bill has been introduced in Florida requiring officials to use certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for all televised emergency briefings. The bill requires these ASL interpreters to be certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID).

This bill was drafted after an interpreter signed gibberish during a televised Hurricane Irma warning in Manatee County, leaving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community confused and unable to effectively respond to the crisis. The “interpreter” reportedly warned the populace about pizza and bears but ignored vital information about evacuations and safety.  Florida Representative Richard Stark stated the incident was “‘anything but funny’ for hearing-impaired residents who depend on that information to stay safe in times of crisis.”

This is not the first situation where televised interpretations were botched. In 2013, the Deaf community was (rightfully) outraged when a “fake” interpreter made up signs during President Obama’s eulogy at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service. Incidents such as these disenfranchise the Deaf community by robbing them of their right to know what is going on in their communities and especially during urgent situations.

The introduction of Florida’s new bill aims to ensure quality interpretation is a step in the right direction, but is it enough? Currently, the bill will only require this certification in situations involving emergency briefings for the public. However, best practices in the language services community indicate that using certified interpreters in the medical, legal, and various other fields result in the most accurate and helpful interpretations. Providing accessible communication to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in all situations is necessary and possible with the right steps.

About RID Certification

RID Certification is often required of ASL interpreters in certain circumstances, such as emergency situations, and within the medical and legal fields. Certification requires certain standards of conduct which ensure professional and ethical practices. According to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, a certified deaf interpreter undergoes “specialized training involving experience in the use of gesture, mime, props, drawings, and other tools to enhance communication.” This training allows for highly accurate interpretations in situations where important information is being relayed.

Why a Qualified Interpreter is Necessary

A qualified interpreter is one who is accustomed with the Deaf community’s culture, customs, and interests. They also meet all the ADA requirements, including necessary specialized vocabulary and the ability to interpret effectively. Regardless of RID Certification, an interpreter should be qualified to meet the needs of the Deaf community.

How Do I Find a Qualified ASL Interpreter?

Finding a qualified sign language interpreter is not as hard as it may seem. Interpreters Unlimited recruits certified and highly qualified ASL interpreters to meet your interpreting needs. Accessible Communication for the Deaf (ACD), the Sign Language Services Division of IU Group, offers professional ASL interpretation services for a variety of businesses nationwide. Whether you need on-site or video remote interpretation services, you can be ensured our interpreters will be able to meet your needs.

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Contact Us

Making Connections Nationwide. Interpreters Unlimited is a national language services provider in the United States. For more information, please call (800) 726-9891.

About Accessible Communication for the Deaf

Accessible Communication for the Deaf is an IU Group Company, located in Miami, Florida. ACD proudly serves the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities of Florida and the southeast United States. In addition, ACD is IU’s dedicated Sign Language Services Division, providing sign language interpretation services for county and state government departments, hospitals, school districts and universities and other businesses in the United States. For more information about ACD, please call 954-578-3081 or visit www.acdasl.com.

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Sources

Putterman, S. (2018, January 31). Manatee sign language interpreter’s gibberish during Irma inspires new bill. Retrieved February 02, 2018, from http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article197548954.html 

Kuizon, K. (2018, February 01). Bill calls for sign language interpreter registration. Retrieved February 02, 2018, from http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/bill-calls-for-sign-language-interpreter-registration

Stout, D. (2013, December 11). Sign-language interpreter at Mandela’s Memorial used ‘Made-Up’ Signs. Retrieved February 02, 2018, from http://world.time.com/2013/12/11/sign-language-interpreter-at-mandelas-memorial-used-made-up-signs/ 

Certified Deaf Interpreter (n.d.) Retrieved February 02, 2018. from https://www.rid.org/rid-certification-overview/available-certification/cdi-certification/

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Hurricane Irma Warnings Issued in 4 Languages in South Florida

September 8, 2017

As Hurricane Irma continues to wreak havoc in the Caribbean, Florida officials are urging residents to evacuate and seek shelter. As the storm is expected to reach the Florida Keys as early as Friday evening, it is critical to reach the everyone in the area. To communicate with Miami’s diverse population, warnings have been issued in English, Spanish, Creole and American Sign Language (ASL). With the assistance of ASL interpreters, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community has received these important warnings. Breaking down language barriers is crucial in emergency situations, as these populations need to understand where to go and how best to protect themselves.

Watch yesterday’s press conference here

“it is life threatening, this is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”Florida Governor, Rick Scott

Hurricane Irma is the largest Atlantic hurricane recorded to date. With winds clocking in at 185 mph, Florida officials are not taking chances. While shelters have been set-up, Florida Governor Rick Scott emphasized that “it is life threatening, [and] this is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”

According to the New York Times, Irma has taken the lives of 19 people collectively in the French Caribbean islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Barbuda and Anguilla.

At IU, our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy. If you’re in the south Florida area, here are some resources to stay safe:

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Hurricane Irma Safety Information

Miami Evacuation Q&A Storm Planning Zones Shelter Information	Tampa Shelter Locations Special Needs Shelters and Sandbag Information	Naples & Collier County Evacuation Zones Pet-Friendly Shelters Fire and Rescue
Cape Coral/Lee County Shelter and Travel Information		Gainesville Special Needs, Pet-Friendly and General Population Shelters

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Making Connections Nationwide. For more information about Interpreters Unlimited and our interpretation and translation services, please call 800-726-9891.