INTERPRETER SERVICES
D&HHS Interpreter Services coordinates professional American Sign Language interpreting services for courts, hospitals, colleges, state and county government, mental health agencies, performing arts venues, conference facilities and all types of businesses. Our well-respected Interpreter Services program fills approximately 400 assignments per month in 27 counties in West Michigan with medical appointments being our most typical type of assignment. We are here to serve both interpreters and those who rely on their skills.Because Michigan currently has a state-wide shortage of ASL interpreters, we ask that you contact us as soon as you are aware that you need an interpreter. Michigan requires that interpreters are certified and carry medical, mental health or legal endorsements to work in those environments, so time is of the essence in matching the best interpreter to your need.Please email interpreterservices@deafhhs.org or call 616-732-7358 to begin the necessary processes to request an interpreter.Note that ASL interpreters are also available nights and weekends for medical or police emergencies. After business hours, call our emergency number for immediate or next-day needs at 616-732-6124.Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm if you’d like to stop by.
All interpreters working as independent contractors through D&HHS are either state or nationally certified, in accordance with state law. National certification is obtained through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). State certification and endorsements are earned through LARA (MI Dept of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) which administers the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) tests. Interpreters must earn continuing education requirements to maintain certifications and endorsements.In addition, D&HHS works to assign the highest certified interpreter to each assignment, while working within guidelines established by the state of Michigan. Additionally, we match interpreters to your client’s specific communication needs. Our staff makes it easy for your organization to comply with state and federal laws guaranteeing equal communication access to your Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.