Let’s say your ministry has decided to hire an interpreter for your upcoming service, conference, or concert. Either you’ve received requests for an interpreter or you simply want to actively invite a Deaf audience.
Now what?
This decision to hire an interpreter most likely raised many questions. At first, it can be paralyzing.
What do I do now? Who do I call? How do I know the person the agency sends is any good? How much is it going to cost? Will I know the cost before the event or will other fees sneak in?
Your concerns are real. In this article, we’re going to spend a little time answering some basic questions about the Deaf community, the role of interpreters, general costs, and what value a professional interpreting will give your ministry.
Why have an interpreter?
The Deaf community has a unique language, a unique culture, and unique needs. Interpreters do more than translate language, they give your message cultural context. They make your words relevant to your Deaf audience in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL).
We know a student studying ASL. Why hire a professional?
Because a Deaf audience will know the difference. Again, an interpreter is not simply translating words. They are using their studied, practiced skills to bring your message to life.
And a professional interpreter is not just an expert in ASL. A professional interpreter will always arrive prepared.
They will understand your message. They will know your mission.
They will spend hours preparing for your program: music, message, announcements, and schedule.
What value will they add?
If you hire an interpreter from Sonshine, we’ll add value in three central areas.
Your message accurately represented. Again, your interpreter will understand your message and use their skill to serve that message.
Clearly communicate to your Deaf audience “You are welcome here!” We will promote your event to the Deaf community. This reflects the heart of Jesus to an unreached people group.
Knowledge of an unknown culture. We will provide consistent and caring advising to your ministry before, during, and immediately following your service, concert, or conference.
How much does hiring a professional interpreter cost?
The cost of bringing professional interpreters will vary based on a few factors.
The run-time of your event
If you hired your interpreter on short notice
Local hourly rates
Any event longer than two hours will require more than one interpreter. Conferences longer than four hours (or with breakout sessions) will usually require more.
Here are some sample costs (hourly rate may vary by area and example assumes we have at least 2 weeks notice).
$70/hr/interpreter with a 2 hour minimum.
Interpreters for an all day event exceeding 8 hours would cost $485/interpreter/day.
Pre-recorded work and VRI (remote interpreting) is available with a 1 hour minimum. Pre-recorded videos will be billed at 5x the video length for recording and editing (1 hour minimum).
Events that exceed scheduled time will be billed in 15 minute increments.
20% Coordination charge covers our administrative time to serve as a liaison between the event team, production team, and interpreting team. Ensuring all logistics are covered and consulting to ensure the setting honors and welcomes the Deaf community well.
Additional $10/hour for interpreter specialization including international sign, trilingual interpreters, pro-tactile, & tactile interpreting.
Requests made with less than 48 hours notice will be charged an additional 10% convenience fee.
Travel, room, and board may be necessary.
Considerations:
Any meetings exceeding 1 hour will require two interpreters.
Meetings with international sign specialization will require two interpreters. Tactile and pro-tactile interpreting needs will require a 3 person team.
We know making the decision to hire professional interpreters is not easy. We hope this article helped you understand what an interpreter does and how their services will help your Deaf audience be moved by your ministry’s message.