Research has shown that mental functioning decreases after about 20 minutes of interpreting. Additionally, interpreters have a very high incidence of repetitive motion injuries. Utilizing a team of interpreters is the best way to assure quality of services and the safety of the interpreters. Certification provides some quality assurance that this interpreter has passed a rigorous exam, involving skills, ethics, and knowledge. Interpreters vary in the hourly rates, mileage rates, travel time and expenses charged.
All interpreters also have a minimum number of hours charged - usually one or two.
When you book an interpreter, he or she is then unable to accept other work for that time period. If you cancel your request at the last minute, that means lost income that usually can not be made up. Therefore, interpreters will usually charge their full fee if cancellations come in with less than 24 or 48 hours notice. The Interpreter Referral Service provides sign language and oral interpreter and real time captioner referral to the Greater Seattle area and Northwestern Washington. The IRS refers independent contractors from the community to meet your company or agency's communication needs when working with or serving deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing people.