NIH Fellows Handbook

Interpreting Services

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The Office of Research Services (ORS) provides a valuable resource for hearing impaired employees and visitors at NIH. Sign language interpreters are available to provide a variety of services, including:

• Interpreting for conferences, seminars, workshops, staff meetings, doctor/patient interviews, job interviews, training, telephone calls.
• Referrals for employees who wish to learn sign language and employees who wish to learn to use a TTY.
• Consultation with managers and employees about assistive devices that enable employees who are Deaf or hard of hearing to communicate, participate fully in daily activities, and remain safe on the job.

The Sign Language Interpreter is a professional who facilitates communication between a person who is Deaf and one who is hearing. An interpreter has acquired sign language skills, has studied techniques and ethics, and has gained knowledge and experience required to function in a professional capacity.

• Consult with the individual regarding his or her special needs, i.e., language preference (ASL, Signed English), and any specific interpreters preferred.
• Call the ORS at (301) 402-8180 [Voice] or (301) 435-1908 [TTY] to request an interpreter 2-3 weeks in advance or as soon as the need is known. Requests will be accepted up to three (3) months in advance.
• Give the following information: date, time, and location, length of meeting, name(s) of consumer(s), type of meeting, and on-site contact person.
• The OEO staff interpreters will process your request and contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability of an OEO interpreter.
• If an OEO interpreter is not available, you will be advised to obtain a contract interpreter. The OEO interpreters will provide you with a list of interpreter agencies and individual interpreters who provide contract services at the NIH.

• ASL—American Sign Language
• PSE—Pidgin Signed English
• Deaf—Use capital "D" to show respect for the culture of Deaf people
• TTY—Teletypewriter

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