Tag Archives: sign language service

American Sign Language — a pivotal element in ensuring effective communication

Homeland Language Services provides various interpreting services to facilitate communication among people who speak different languages. Among these services is American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, a pivotal element in ensuring effective communication between the hard-of-hearing community and those who are hearing. 

The process of ASL interpretation is intricate, demanding a distinct skill set and a profound comprehension of Deaf culture. ASL interpreters must possess fluency in both ASL and English, a keen understanding of the cultural subtleties within Deaf communities, and the capacity to interpret spoken language swiftly and accurately into ASL. 

For a more in-depth perspective on ASL interpretation, we engaged in a conversation with one of our ASL interpreters, Flann Fleischer, who generously shared his professional journey and offered valuable insights into the field. 

  1. 1. What inspired you to become an American Sign Language interpreter, and how did you get started in the field? 

 – My first Language is ASL (American Sign Language) as my parents and sister are Deaf.  I learned ASL and then English second.  My Parents were educators and heavily invoked with the Deaf Community. Plus, my Grandparents on both sides of the family were also Deaf and many aunts, uncles, and cousins are also Deaf or Codas (Children of Deaf Adults) like myself.   

Naturally, this background gave me native language skills and cultural knowledge to succeed as an ASL Interpreter.  

  1. 2. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful American Sign Language interpreter, and how do you cultivate those qualities in yourself? 

  – It’s important to have strong language skills in both the source and target language and to understand the cultural values and norms.    

Knowledge and application of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct (rid.org) is also required to be successful and professional in the field of sign language interpretation. 

Other than that, I think it’s important to be genuinely friendly, patient, and flexible while being professional when dealing with people in all aspects of the interpreting, field.  I find that it makes the work more enjoyable, and more opportunities develop.  Avoid being that interpreter no one wants to work with. 

  1. 3. How do you stay engaged and motivated in your work as an interpreter, and what advice do you have for others who may be interested in pursuing this career path? 

 – I truly enjoy the diversity of assignments. The different experiences helped me to keep interested as well as increase my understanding of a wide breadth of knowledge and situations. 

My advice for people who want to enter the field of interpreting is to immerse yourself in the language and culture.  Be patient knowing that life experiences in the field will lead to more knowledge and proficiency. 

  1. 4. What do you like about working at Homeland Language Services? 

 – I enjoy working with the people at Homeland Language Services. Everyone was professional and kind! 

 

Blog
, ,

American Sign Language – the way to communicate without words

Since 2020, world communication has transformed so differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It became too much online: from doctor’s appointments to school lessons and business meetings. This period and special circumstances changed our communication fundamentally. We are spending much more time on our smartphones and online calls from laptops or computers. Communication changed for the Deaf or hard-of-hearing communities as well. Even before the pandemic, this segment of the population had obstacles to getting complete services, communication, and care. Fortunately, American Sign Language helps Deaf or hard-of-hearing people to receive access to all interactions they need with the help of video connection or onsite meetings.

Homeland Language Services has an experienced team of American Sign Language interpreters. They provide services both onsite in schools and healthcare institutions. Together with that, we can provide interpretation services online with the help of video calls. This way the American Sign Language interpretation is available to everyone in any part of the world.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a primary language of communication in Deaf or hard-of-hearing communities. About one million people in the USA use ASL as their primary means of communication. Meetings or appointments, accompanied by American Sign Language interpreters, signage, and verbal approaches right on point, the communication can be timely and concise.

 

Best practices for onsite American Sign Language interpreting:

– One of the most essential things for onsite ASL interpreting is to ensure that the interpreter can be in the position directly in the line of sight of the Deaf or hard-of-hearing client. The ASL interpreter clearly should override everything else.

– The interpreter should be aware of the nature of the client’s visit. The client can be in a psychiatric crisis or under COVID-19 or similar precautions, so he/shewould require the interpreter to maintain more physical distance from the client.

– The client should tell his preferences for interpreter gender because some healthcare conversations are sensitive.

– The video device should be set up so the client/patient can see the screen and their hands clearly.

– Take into account, that Deaf or hard-of-hearing clients may also have visual impairments, so the screen should be positioned appropriately.

– During the video call eliminate background noise, and make sure that the room has enough light.

– The English-speaking representative should speak directly to the Deaf or hard-of-hearing client, not the interpreter. The English-speaking representative should speak at a normal pace and tone.

– In case there will be printed documents or written material at the meeting, there should be copies for all participants.

Blog, On-Site Interpreting Services, Sign language Services
, , ,

Sign Language Services

American Sign Language Interpretation Services

Currently, American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the fastest-growing languages requested in the United States. ASL is a visual-spatial language used by the Deaf community. It is a native language for Deaf men and women and hard of hearing children born. ASL should not be considered a gestural form of English since it shares no grammatical similarities to English. Besides, hand gestures are not the only component of American Sign Language. Facial expressions, including lip-mouth, eyebrow, and body orientation are also significant in ASL and form a vital component of its grammatical system. Moreover, ASL utilizes the space surrounding the signer to express persons and places that are absent. More importantly, sign languages, such as American Sign Language are not universal. For instance, British Sign Language significantly differs from American Sign Language even though both countries speak English. Since sign language develops unconventionally, various countries’ signers cannot communicate easily with each other. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act forbids prejudice and ensures equal opportunity for people with disabilities in transportation, commercial facilities, public accommodations, state and local government services, and employment. Regarding communication, the community must evaluate the needs of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person it is working with, and supply appropriate accommodations to guarantee effective communication. Therefore, it is inappropriate to engage companions to translate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Companions may not dispatch the piece of information accurately and should be part of the conversation rather than serve as the medium for communication. 

Homeland Language Services offers the American Sign Language translation services and caption services to ensure successful transmission as stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our translators and interpreters are qualified providers and ensure our services are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA applies to several aspects of daily life, including interviewing for a job, meeting with teachers at school, and going to doctor’s appointments. Homeland Language Services provide American Sign Language interpretation services across the United States. Our language specialists provide translation and interpretation for different environments, including parent-teacher conferences, workers’ training and employee compensation interviews, medical appointments, client meetings, and court hearings, mediations, arbitration, and depositions. 

Homeland Language Services has a proven track record of providing American Sign Language services to clients nationwide in all industries.

Blog, Sign language Services
,

Sign Language Services

Provide the Best Sign Language Services in Florida

Nowadays, American Sign Language or ASL is one of the most studied languages in different colleges and universities in the U.S. This is good news because learning ASL gives benefits in the future life, even if a student does not have plans of working as an interpreter or other related job. Here are other ways that providing Sign Language Services in Florida can help your career:

Improve Workforce Proficiency

If you belong to an industry requiring constant communication with people, then you will have the competitive advantage if you know ASL. You can speak with a deaf patient if you are a nurse, or able to understand what a mute victim says if you are a police officer. This helps you become more proficient in your job. It may not be every day that you come across a person that is unable to speak, but when you do, it must be so tough if you do not know sign language. Literacy of ASL allows you to communicate with no limits, and extend help with the deaf and mute people.

Mastery of ASL is a Profitable Competency

The job market has become highly competitive. Each aspiring worker tries his best to stand out from the others in terms of skills and experience. ASL literacy is more than just a fancy addition to resumes, but a skill that could increase your marketability. A myriad of industries benefits from Sign Language Services in Florida. They include hospitals, medical facilities, doctors and appointments, mental health, counseling, medical insurance, legal firms, courts, business meetings, conferences, social agencies, government, non-profit organizations, education sectors.

Becoming Competent in ASL Enhances Cognition

Learning sign language as any other foreign languages is good for the brain. It enhances cognition, creative and abstract thinking. It even has the added benefit of improving hand and eye coordination. It exercises peripheral vision, training you to be more aware of the environment. Deaf people have sharp vision, so you can have that too if you learn sign language.

These abilities can work to your advantage regardless of the industry you are in. However, you need them even more if you are a pilot, a surgeon, a fabricator, and mechanic, or any other job that requires hand-eye coordination.

Improve Communication Skills

Communication is vital across industries and different fields. Knowledge of ASL does not only extend your communication skills to the hearing impaired but also allows you to be a better listener and speaker. When you learn its structure, you’ll learn how to check your understanding and constantly rethink ideas.

Learning ASL empowers you to be better at work. It can help you with mentally demanding tasks and heighten your ability to oversee your environment. You do not have to learn the entire language. Knowing the basics and other important signs could be a good start. It’s a great way to show care for speech and hearing-impaired people. If you are into sales or marketing, they can flock to you. ASL is a beautiful language that broadens your horizon, allowing you to discover the deaf culture and in the process, make you a better person.

Blog
, ,

American Sign Language Translation Services

Four Ways to Maximize on American Sign Language Translation Services

No doubt that communication is vital in our daily undertakings. When you want to express yourself, you can easily pass the message across by speech. What happens when speech is not an option? Alternative means of communication come in handy. Accommodating other means of communication other than speech is one way of building an inclusive community.

Translation services enhance communication in your organization. A communication breakdown is costly for every business. You can do more with your translation services. Here are five ways you can make the most out of your American sign language translation services.

1. Documents

A translator can change documents into ASL videos. The videos are easy to interact with and give more clarity. When you want smooth communication, use your translator to turn the boring text into ASL videos.

Services like insurance, medical, education and many others rely heavily on documentation. Proper document translation is, therefore, essential for the daily running of these entities. Translators go as deep as translating graphs, embedded graphics and tables.

2. Business and trade secrets

Translators get hold of your business and trade secrets. Placing such information in the wrong hands can put your business at risk. Find a reliable translator that can safeguard your business and secrets. Translators should also sign a confidentiality agreement before they start offering their services at your company.

Most business owners prefer working with the same translators. That way, they have an easy time trusting them, and they can easily make necessary follow-ups in case of any issues.

3. Notarization and attestation

Translators are essential when you need notarization and attestation. Handling documentation needs attention to detail. Notarization is a very crucial process for all deaf and hard to hear persons. If you are providing any services, let them get a chance to verify that the documents are legit.

A translator can work hand in hand with other professionals in the verification process. They vet the information, certify and record-keep.

Attestation refers to proof that something is true or that it is the case. These services are essential to ensure transparency and that there is a mutual agreement between the parties.

4. Translation technology

Translation can utilize innovative technology to make services efficient. Technology has made communication easier for every other language translation except with American sign language services. However, recent times have seen some development of sign language sensing technology. The technology can translate signing into words. Some of the technology uses gloves to pick up hand signals.

Technology can be useful when you do not have a translator with you. Instead of asking someone to translate the conversation for you, a simple app can help you communicate. Leveraging technology can help make your services better. However, one cannot equate the services of a translator to using a mere app.

To sum up, American sign language translation services are vital in your company running. Compliance with federal rules on inclusivity and fairness is just one way to prove that you serve the community. Knowing how to utilize the services can help you make the most of your translators and use them to your advantage.

Blog, Sign language Services
,

Certified Sign Language Services

The Fundamental Characteristics of a Sign Language Service Provider

Sign language service providers help provide actual communication to people with hard of hearing, or those who are deaf. Sign language employs signs made using hands and other body movements such as facial expressions and body postures in order to facilitate communication. Getting the right person or company for sign language interpretation services will require a deep look as there are many different sign languages, for example, American and British Sign Languages.

A sign language interpreter may not only have qualifications to offer sign language services, but also a degree for certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). The interpreter should indicate more competency, and more common sign language services should be done as they will boost the confidence to contract clients that require sign language services. There are other qualities that a sign language interpreter should possess as well.

Here are the top four characteristics of the best sign language interpreter.

  1. Perfect Communicator

Body expressions are essential in communication. A sign language interpreter should be able to communicate the unspoken expressions and deliver them to the audience in the form the audience will understand and comprehend. There are tricky moments that are hard to read and interpret, like in hospital settings. A good sign language service provider should know how to pass the correct message and communicate back the response in spoken form to enable easier communication.

  1. Passionate

The best sign language service providers are passionate on how they handle their work. The interpretation services are a people service, and to perform the interpretation well, a sign language interpreter must possess a passion for assisting the deaf or hard of hearing people.

  1. Ethical

The sign language service provider plays a medium role in interpretation. Therefore, it means they aren’t involved in the communication but rather report what has been spoken between the two speakers. The information revealed during communication should not be released outside to any third party. Everything talked about has to remain confidential.

The best sign language interpreters are well-versed with the roles they play and should not interfere with what is spoken about but deliver word for word. In addition, the best sign language service providers have education and knowledge about the HIPAA regulations. This is a clear indication that they adhere to not sharing confidential or personal information, and they follow the privacy laws. The laws set by HIPAA and Code of Ethics from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf are in place to help protect the Hard of Hearing or Deaf person.

  1. Experience

Sign language service providers are contracted by different disciplines involved in medical, legal, education, or corporate settings. While it is essential to get an interpreter specializing in the discipline you want, a sign language interpreter should have enough experience to handle what is subjected to them. Besides, a well-rounded sign language interpreter has all the training and expertise to perform exceptional work as a sign language service provider.

Blog, Sign language Services
, , ,