FAQs

    You can request interpreting services by:

    It is important to provide information relevant to the interpreting request and the consumer, such as the consumer’s communication needs (i.e., DeafBlind or tactile, etc.) and the nature of the meeting/appointment so we can assign interpreters accordingly.

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that went into effect in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, such as: jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Our agency focuses on communication access between Deaf and hearing consumers. Communication accommodations vary depending on the Deaf individual’s needs.

    The following information is required:

    • Date of the appointment/meeting.
    • Start and End time of the appointment/meeting.
    • Location of the appointment/meeting.
    • Description of Environment: Is this a business meeting (how many Deaf and hearing participants are involved), medical appointment, classroom, etc.
    • Consumer’s name (and Date of Birth if requesting for a medical appointment).

    If you are a new agency requesting services, you will also be required to provide billing information.

    Remember the Interpreter is not only there for the Deaf consumer, they are there for hearing consumers as well! When speaking to a Deaf individual through an Interpreter, speak directly to them (no need to say “tell him/her/them,” etc.) and look at the Deaf individual, not the Interpreter.

    The Interpreter follows the Code of Professional Conduct and HIPPA, maintaining confidentiality. Depending on the content interpreted and the length of the assignment, the Interpreter and Deaf individual may require a brief break, as it can be mentally and physically fatiguing.

    Yes! We reach out to the preferred Interpreter to check their availability to work the assignment.

    Interpreter availability, timeframe of request received to the actual job date, and job location (Twin Cities/Metro vs. Greater Minnesota) all play a role in how quickly Interpreters are assigned. If possible, it is best to submit the request at least two weeks prior to the date services are requested.

    Once an Interpreter is assigned to your request, you will receive an email via our KIS Platform scheduling system. If you prefer to be notified in a different manner, please let us know!

    Please contact us. We are always open to feedback and value your input! (https://www.ny.kisasl.com/feedback)

    K!S primarily provides interpreting services for American Sign Language. Spoken languages we provide services in are: Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Cambodian, Cantonese, Farsi, French, German, Gujarati, Haitian Creole French, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Latvian, Mandarin, Nuer, Oromo, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tibetan, Tigrigna, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. If given ample time, we may be able to provide services for languages not listed above.

    While you can ask the Interpreter’s availability for pending assignments/meetings, you will need to make a formal request through our office to receive a confirmation of your interpreting request.

    The agency or organization who is hosting/facilitating the meeting/appointment/event is responsible for paying for the interpreter services.

    Sign language interpreters are certified through the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID). They abide by the Code of Professional Conduct and go through on-going professional development. Factors impacting the rate for interpreter services include:

    • Location of assignment
    • Length of assignment
    • On-site vs. Video Remote Interpreting

    Our interpreters like to be well prepared in advance. With these materials, they are better able to provide the best interpretation possible. It is easier and more convenient for all parties involved when our interpreters know exactly what to expect from the appointment. All materials will be disposed of or returned back to you once the job is done. You can attach it to the KIS Platform as you make a request through there or click below to make a request and upload your materials. (https://www.ny.kisasl.com/connect-with-us/request-an-interpreter/)

    If your request is cancelled less than 48 business hours prior to the scheduled time, you will be charged for the amount of time requested on your interpreting request (this is also applicable if you reschedule with less than 48 business hours notice). You can cancel or reschedule by: