How do I request an interpreter?

In order for an organization/individual to request an interpreter, a signed Rates and Policies Document must be on file at CAIRS.  Please read this document, fill out the last page, and fax the last page back to CAIRS at 312-895-4313.  After CAIRS receives this document, you may place your requests for interpreters.

What information is needed when I place a request for an interpreter?

Information is extremely important when talking about the coordinating process.  In order to secure a qualified interpreter for your specific request, CAIRS needs to be notified of the Location (Address, Floor, room number etc.), Date, Time, Requestor Name and Phone Number, Contact Name and Phone Number, Deaf Client Name, and Situation (Oncology, English 101, Interview etc.).  The above are the absolute basics; additional useful information would be Deaf Client Mode of Communication (American Sign Language, Signed English, Contidgin Signed English), Names of Other Persons Involved (Dr. Smith, Mr. Collins), Specific Topics to be Discussed, and any other information you feel to be useful.

How will I be billed for the interpreting services from CAIRS?

CAIRS typically sends an invoice to the requestors’ organization by the third business day after the assignment.  This allows our independent contractors time to contact CAIRS to report any overtime and/or travel time.  The invoice will be sent to the billing address indicated by the requestor on the Rates and Policies Document.  For clients who wish to have their credit card automatically charged for the services, these charges will appear typically by the third business day after the assignment as well.

After I contact CAIRS, how long will it take to be notified that an interpreter has been secured for my request?

Since the majority of requests are filled by independent contactors working though CAIRS, our agency is dependant upon the availability of the independent contractors.  Typically, we are able to fill requests for future assignments (those assignments with one week notice or more) within 4-5 business days.   Emergency requests, while harder to fill, typically are covered through our agency within 1-2 hours.

Are all of the Sign Language Interpreters working with CAIRS “certified”?

The State of Illinois statute (PL 90-200  THIS SHOULD ALSO HAVE A LINK) requires individuals representing themselves as a Sign Language Interpreter be registered with the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (LINK to TERp CORNER).  CAIRS only utilizes those individuals in compliance with the law.  Additionally, CAIRS does employ/contract with Sign Language Interpreters who hold National Certification either with the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf or the National Association of the Deaf.  While a little harder to secure, nationally certified interpreters are also available.

Can I request a particular Sign Language Interpreter?

Yes, organizations/individuals may request a certain interpreter to fill their request, and CAIRS will take every effort to honor such a request.  However, CAIRS would be subject to that individual’s schedule.  If the requested sign langue interpreter were not available, CAIRS would search for another qualified professional to fill your request.

Who is responsible for paying for the interpreting services acquired through CAIRS?

SEARCH FOR IL CIVIL RIGHTS SND ADA    MCLD???  IDHHC???

When requesting an interpreter, I am aware that I am paying for a two hour minimum commitment; does that mean my request needs to be for two hours?

Absolutely not.  We at CAIRS encourage organizations/individuals to request the interpreter for the time they expect to use one.  By automatically stating 2 hours, you limit your pool of available interpreters.  For an example, you have a request for an interpreter for a medical appointment at 10 am and know the appointment should take no longer than 30 min., but place a request for 10-12 due to the two hour minimum billing requirement,  you eliminate those interpreters who may be available till 11 am from the pool of available interpreters and run the risk of not having an interpreter fill your request.

Is my request for an interpreter guaranteed?

CAIRS utilizes anywhere between 100-120 interpreters every year for a variety of different assignments.  However, we are subject to their availability.  When we notice a request which we are having a difficult time filling, we will contact the requestor to see if there may be an alternative date/time to reschedule the request.  CAIRS is proud to state that our “fill” percentage rate is well over 90%.

How much time must I give CAIRS to secure an interpreter?

In an ideal world, everyone would know two to three weeks prior to needing a sign language interpreter present to provide access to communication.  The more time CAIRS has to inquire about interpreter availability, the better chance there is of filling the request.  However, we art CAIRS are proud of our ability to secure interpreters for last minute requests.  To avoid any additional sign language interpreting fees, a minimum of two full business days is needed.  For requesting with less than two full business days notice, there is a Short Notice Fee of $50 added to the bill, per interpreter.  If there is less than one full business day notice, the Short Notice Fee applies as well as travel time, portal to portal, per interpreter billed at the full hourly rate.

How many interpreters are assigned to a request?

Typically, an interpreter can work up to two hours without the need for an interpreter.  Meetings and lectures lasting the entire two hours may be difficult for one interpreter and a second may be required.  Any request for more than two hours typically requires two interpreters unless there is significant “down” time.