Serving Michigan since 2014 with Professional, Ethical and Certified Interpreters
Signing Pros is a centralized resource located in Southeast Michigan providing quality communication access for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals. Through the provision of sign language interpreting services, we help organizations comply with communication accessibility requirements in various settings, including healthcare, education, legal and government settings.
Our staff is committed to matching your preferences with interpreter specializations, necessary endorsements (e.g., DeafBlind, educational, medical/mental health, and legal) and experience to provide you with the best fit for any situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions concern Signing Pros’ interpreting services and interpreting for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Ready to schedule an interpreter? Visit our Request an Interpreter page.
A sign language interpreter should be requested whenever you are trying to communicate with a Deaf person who primarily communicates through American Sign Language (ASL). Having a qualified, certified and State of Michigan endorsed interpreter present is necessary to ensure effective and clear communication, and safeguards all participants by ensuring all information is accessible to all parties.
Any place of public accommodation, including for-profit and non-profit organizations and government agencies are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as other federal and state laws, to provide auxiliary aids and services as necessary to ensure effective communication for Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing individuals.
All organizations (for-profit and non-profit) and government agencies covered by the ADA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are responsible to provide effective communication to Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals. The goal is to ensure that communication with people with these disabilities is equally effective as communication with people without disabilities.
It is illegal to pass the cost to the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals as the cost of providing necessary auxiliary aids and services are considered as the cost of doing business.
A sign language interpreter’s role is to serve as a facilitator for effective and clear communication, enabling cross-cultural communication and accurately translating between voiced English to American Sign Language and vice versa. Interpreters are also bound by a code of professional conduct and ethics, requiring confidentiality and maintaining the integrity of all messages exchanged.
As interpreting assignments can be mentally and physically demanding, a team of interpreters may be necessary to ensure effective communication is provided. Interpreting assignments that are lengthy (more than two hours) and/or complex (due to material covered or the amount of participants involved) require an interpreting team.
Research shows prolonged interpreting contributes to an increase in errors and physical injury. A team of two (2) interpreters rotating at approximately 20-minute intervals ensures consistent and effective interpreting quality for your Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing employees and clients.
Signing Pros reserves the right to determine if an assignment requires a team of interpreters on a case-by-case basis.
Contact us through phone at 586.932.6090 or email admin@SigningProsLLC.com to initiate the intake process. We will provide you with a rate quote and contract. Once we receive a signed contract, scheduling an interpreter is as simple as giving us a call, emailing us, or filling out a schedule request online.
Our interpreters are nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf and/or the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). Additionally, all interpreters placed in K-12 settings hold Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) certification.
While Michigan law allows interpreting agencies to use waivers to place non-certified interpreters at assignments, we do not use the waiver system. Unlike many other agencies providing services in Michigan, we strongly believe placing non-certified interpreters at assignments is not in the best interest for the very people we work with, especially members of the Deaf community.
Effective July 7, 2016, State of Michigan granted endorsements are required for interpreters to work in proceedings involving DeafBlind persons, and in educational, medical/mental health, and legal settings.
Click here to access the requirements for each endorsement.
There is never too much advance notice when it comes to securing interpreting services. We request as much notice as possible as interpreters are a scarce resource. However, if there is an emergent or a last-minute need for interpreting services, we are available to assist. The number for our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is 586.718.0344.
Interpreting is a very complex task that requires more than just knowing some sign language. One of the biggest misconceptions regarding interpreting for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing is that a person who is taking a beginner course in sign language or fingerspelling has the necessary competencies to be able to interpret. Additionally, an individual who is able to converse in sign language does not possess the expertise required to perform in the role of a sign language interpreter unless they have the appropriate credentials, including certification and endorsements, if appropriate.
At this time, we do not provide services other than sign language interpreting. However, if you have a need for another type of accommodation, we’ll be happy to share recommendations of alternative service providers that can help you with your organization’s respective needs.
Yes, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year. If there’s a need for interpreting services, our interpreters are ready to provide support. The number for our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is 586.718.0344.
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We respond to RFPs and bid requests. Contact us to discuss your organization’s interpreting needs.