Make a request
This form is for clients and consumers to request a sign language interpreter directly. Please do not use this form if you represent an interpreter referral agency or spoken language agency. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns this agency?
This is not an agency. Each individual on the list works as a freelance service provider. By collaborating with other independent colleagues, we offer sign language interpreting for those who want to deal directly with the service provider. This collaborative effort allows the consumer to get service at far less expensive rates than going through a third party provider, such as an agency.
Can anyone use this site?
Yes. You are welcome to refer anyone to visit our website. Independent interpreters are seeking direct hire work, which means that we are not seeking work from, with, by, or through an interpreting agency.
How do I contact all interpreters at once?
Click on the Request Services tab at the top of the site.
Where are these interpreters located?
The interpreters listed here are in the Washington, D.C. metro area, including Northern Virginia, Annapolis, and Baltimore. Many interpreters also travel to Richmond, Charlottesville, as well as Delaware and Pennsylvania. To ask where a specific person is located, click on their picture and ask them via email. If you have an out of town request, send it to us if you would like us to forward it to our personal networks of other interpreters who serve those areas.
What happens if no one replies to my email request?
After sending an email to the entire group, there may be a short time when no one responds. Most of us are busy working. Some of us have jobs in locations that cannot access a phone signal, such as lower levels of hotels, basements, buildings with thick walls, and restricted areas. We try to answer all work related email in less than one day. Only the people who are available to take your request will reply. To get a very quick answer, try emailing one person at a time. We really value your work requests, so most of us will reply as soon as we can, usually within an hour.
Why is it necessary to give advance notice?
The demand for sign language interpreters is very high in this region. There are thousands of Deaf people in the DC metro area who use our services every day and there are a limited number of qualified interpreters. Our schedules fill up quickly, so the sooner the better, in terms of finding interpreters for an assignment. However, it never hurts to try, and there are certainly occasions when you can find an interpreter for last minute jobs, due to job cancellations, a break in schedule or simply deciding to work on our day off.
How much does each person charge?
In general, you can expect rates between $50 – $70 per hour. A two hour minimum is standard in our industry. The type of assignment may influence the rate, as legal interpreting, theatrical performances or other settings require additional training and certifications. Please check our individual websites or email us individually to ask for our rates, terms and conditions.
How do I know if I am hiring a qualified interpreter?
Our field has a national certifying body that lists our credentials on its website. To find an interpreter’s certification level go to www.rid.org, look to the left navigation pane under Search Tools and click ‘Find an Interpreter/Member’. Each of us has diverse and extensive experience. We gladly send resumes upon request.
Profiles
Bethany Anderson
Bobbie Jerome
Brenda Talley
Brittany McKay
Cheryl M Henderson
Cheryl Ringel
Colleen Doyle
Dana Mittelman
Elissa Odegaard Macias
Emily Shaw
Erin Harrison
Helen Avner
Jackie Lightfoot
Jennifer Wagner
Jessica Gabrian
Julie Mertz
Justin Baldi
Katrina Arrington
Kelli Stein
Kelly Corbey
Keturah Lee
Mark Alan Morrison
Miako Villanueva
Michelle Parnes
Mindy Frankel
Mindy Lanie
Nicole Shambourger
Dr. Pamela ‘Pam’ Collins
Rebekka Halseth
Rhonda Jacobs
Sarah Blattberg
Susan Thompson Gaines
Julie Bagshaw