FAQ on Access Center Referral Services for State Agencies

• When do I need to use two interpreters?



• When would I need to use a CDI (certified deaf interpreter)?



• Does a deaf or hard of hearing person have the right to request or reject a specific interpreter?



• How much does an interpreter charge for services?



• Does an interpreter have to be licensed to interpret?



• How can I, an independent vendor (interpreter/captioner), be added to the Access Center's interpreter list?


• What are the certification test dates, and where are the tests held?

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FAQ on Access Center Referral Services for State Agencies
When do I need to use two interpreters?

Depending on the length and complexity of the assignment being interpreted an agency will need to use two interpreters. Typically, two interpreters will be needed if the assignment is 90 minutes or longer. Interpreting requires physical and mental stamina and endurance. In a team situation (two interpreters) the interpreters will work in 20 minute increments each. The second team member not only offers relief breaks to the primary interpreter, they also serve as the supporting interpreter and monitors the overall setting and prompts the primary interpreter ensuring message transmission.


When would I need to use a CDI (certified deaf interpreter)?

A CDI (certified deaf interpreter) is an interpreter who is deaf or hard of hearing and certified and holds a Kentucky Interpreter license issued by the Kentucky Board of Interpreters. There are circumstances when a hearing interpreter is unable to access the message of the deaf or hard of hearing consumer. The reasons could be due to the consumer having limited communication skills, signs a foreign language, and/or has not been taught a formal communication such as a signing system and may only communicate gesturally or with "home signs." A CDI can clarify cultural confusion and linguistic misunderstandings. A hearing interpreter and a deaf interpreter work as a team to ensure clear and accurate information is being communicated.


How much does an interpreter charge for services?

There is no set rate for interpreting services. The agency would need to contact the individual interpreter directly for their billing fees. Rates are individually set by considering the following:

• Certification level
• Nature of assignment
• Level of interpreter's education
• Experience

Does a deaf or hard of hearing person have the right to request or reject a specific interpreter?

Communication is essential, therefore the deaf or hard of hearing individual may request or reject particular individual(s).
Factors in matching independent vendor(s) with consumer(s) are:

• The interpreter's knowledge and/or background in the particular assignments' subject matter
• The consumer and the interpreter has previously established a set vocabulary for the subject material
• The consumer uses a particular interpreter for continuity reasons
• The consumer's comfort level with the interpreter adhering to confidentiality
• The consumer may feel that the interpreter does not have enough skill or knowledge to adequately provide effective communication
• The consumer's communication may not match the communication skill of the interpreter

Does an interpreter have to be licensed to interpret in the state of Kentucky?

Yes. The Kentucky Licensure law requires that all interpreters hold a valid Interpreter License. This ensures that qualified interpreters are being used.
Click on the link below for additional information and exemptions:
Kentucky Board of Interpreters


How can I as an independent vendor (interpreter/captioner) be added to the Access Center's interpreter list?

In order to be considered by the Access Center as an interpreter for state assignments the interpreter must provide the Access Center with the following information:

• Copy of licensure by the State of Kentucky
• Proof of National Certification
• Notification of schedule (to be updated every six months)
• Videotape of the interpreter's sign to voice and voice to sign skills.
• Review the Interpreter Handbook and return your signed acknowledgement form

What are the certification test dates, and where are the tests held?

The NIC written test dates are set by RID as the first Saturday in June and December. The RID and NIC performance test dates are determined by individual supersites. In Kentucky, the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is a supersite.

For a listing of supersites visit RID Supersite locations.