We provide interpreting for various settings, including healthcare, education, legal, corporate, nonprofit, and more. If you have specific needs, let us know, and we’ll match you with the right interpreter.

Yes, we understand that the need for interpreting services can arise unexpectedly. We strive to accommodate urgent requests and offer virtual options when in-person availability is limited.

On-site interpreting involves an interpreter physically present with you, while virtual interpreting is done via video call. Both options ensure effective communication and accessibility based on your preference and need.

Our most optimal service hours are between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM, which we refer to as our "peak hours." During this time, we are best equipped to provide the highest level of service and availability. While we strive to accommodate requests outside these hours, scheduling during peak times ensures the best experience.

Our agency is dedicated to delivering personable customer service, quick scheduling 24/7 and, above all, high quality interpreting. You can expect a response within 48 hours upon submitting a request.

Returning clients can submit a request for services by emailing: [email protected] Please include as much detail about the service request as possible to ensure efficient scheduling.

Yes! We understand that sometimes interpreting accommodations are needed during unexpected times. Please note that last minute requests may be harder to fill and can be subject to additional fees. For emergency requests and immediate assistance, call or text 775-235-2271

Yes. Pricing for interpreting services varies depending on region, interpreter availability vs. demand, state standards, interpreter qualifications among other factors.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires most public entities to supply accommodations for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals which includes ASL interpreters. You can email [email protected] to receive a quote and schedule services.

Reno, Sparks, Tahoe, Carson City, Fernley, and most surrounding rural counties.

Sometimes interpreters are not available in certain areas. This is particularly common in more rural regions. In those situations, customers might need to consider Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services or hiring an interpreter that is able to travel from another nearby city.

All you need is a webcam, internet and a web-based platform. A strong internet connection is recommended to ensure smooth and effective communication.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Nevada Revised Statute 656A requires that public and covered entities provide accommodations for communication which includes sign language interpreters. LINKS: https://www.ada.gov/resources/effective-communication/ https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-656A.html#NRS656ASec010 - More importantly, we live in a world that caters to the majority of hearing individuals. Sign language interpreters can make that world accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people. Having such a service makes staff meetings, college courses and doctor’s appointments much easier to participate in for everyone involved! It allows people to interact with the resources and communities that we are all part of. After all, as humans, don’t we all appreciate a more direct, personalized way to communicate and connect? We think so!

A two-hour minimum billing requirement is standard practice for sign language interpreting services. This minimum helps ensure that interpreters are fairly compensated for our time, expertise, and the logistical challenges of our profession.

Firstly, it is important to breathe, relax and remember that we are all human! During an interpreted interaction, it is best to maintain eye contact and speak to the Deaf person directly at your natural pace and volume. You can trust that the interpreter will intervene if they need you to repeat something, to speak louder, to clarify, etc. Expect some lag time or pauses to allow the interpretation to be fully processed. You can proceed as you normally would with any other hearing person you might interact with on a daily basis - the interpreter is there to take care of ensuring that everyone has access to communication. Lastly, if you are unsure of what is most appropriate, it is more than okay to ask the interpreter as well as the Deaf or hard of hearing individual what works best.

Your can request an interpreter through our website or via email, phone, or text. We ask that you please provide as much detail and information about your service request in advance in order to prepare our interpreters.

You should book an interpreter as soon as you schedule an event or appointment to ensure that an interpreter is available. Ask about our “Optimal Hours to Book Interpreters” in the Northern Nevada region.

We encourage you to ask about what we consider to be “peak hours to book interpreters” to take advantage of the largest pool of availability! Our schedulers are willing to work with you to coordinate services if a certain date and time does not work out. Silver State Sign Language also provides Video Remote Interpreting Services for times when an onsite interpreter is not available.

In order to be qualified and nationally certified as interpreters, we must take a rigorous set of two exams called the National Interpreter Certification exam. In passing the NIC, we are demonstrating to our organizational body, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), that we are competent in standard practices and the ethical framework of our profession. The very first tenet of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct mandates that “Interpreters adhere to standards of confidentiality.” Sign language interpreters primarily work autonomously and are therefore professionally trained to learn, understand and abide by the tenets of the NAD-RID CPC or risk losing their national certification. Regardless of certification status, interpreters are always expected to maintain ethical practices while working, which includes maintaining the confidentiality of any interpreted content and any stakeholders involved. When you hire a freelance sign language interpreter, no information is to be shared with anyone that was not present for the information shared during its interpretation. Please visit https://rid.org/programs/ethics/code-of-professional conduct/ if you would like to learn more about our ethical standards.

Yes. A community interpreter refers to an interpreter - usually a freelancer - qualified in the state of Nevada to work in general public environments such as hospitals, businesses or events. Educational K-12 interpreting is a specialty. Interpreters working in K-12 must pass their written EIPA assessment, must pass their EIPA with a qualifying score and must adhere to the NAIE Educational Interpreter Code of Ethics. [LINK: https://naiedu.org/codeofethics/ ] It also requires background knowledge of Deaf education, childhood development, cognitive development, language acquisition, and an understanding of the Deaf experience within a mainstream environment (rather than a Deaf school). Please visit ADSD’s website to view Nevada’s Interpreter Registry and to learn more about our state’s standards for community and educational interpreters. [LINK: https://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/ComAccessSvc/

A contracted educational interpreter provides freelance sign language interpreting services for Deaf or hard of hearing children in mainstream K-12 environments and their hearing peers and educators. This means that they are not staffed employees, and instead are scheduled and paid on a contractual basis as an individual business either directly or through an agency. They can function as a temporary substitute or an ongoing designated interpreter and can be provided onsite or virtually. Due to a statewide and nationwide shortage of ASL interpreters, it is common for school districts to seek independent contractors until an employee position can be filled. Educational interpreters are licensed and EIPA-skilled service providers. Their sole function is to facilitate linguistic and cultural information between hearing and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Interpreters also adhere to the professional and ethical guidelines of the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAIE) which requires knowledge of considerations specific to Deaf education and childhood development. This means that interpreters in educational environments are not teachers nor paraprofessionals. They do not educate nor do they provide other services in which they must do things such as manage student behavior, monitor academic progress, teach new concepts, etc. Instead, they interpret class lecture and content as well as interactions amongst and with peers, educators and other staff. They are there primarily to make a student’s academic environment accessible in their native language and to allow Deaf students to develop relationships with their peers and educators.

A Deaf interpreter (DI) or certified Deaf interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf or hard of hearing professional that works with a hearing interpreter team to provide clear interpreting for consumers that may need extra linguistic support and mediation from a fellow native user of ASL.

A sign language aide or ASL paraprofessional is someone who is proficient in sign language and can communicate with a Deaf or hard of hearing student directly in order to work with them 1:1 in the K-12 environment for needs that do not include interpreting. It is important to distinguish the difference between a paraprofessional or aide and an interpreter because their responsibilities are very different. A paraprofessional or aide can communicate and work directly with students by helping them accomplish academic tasks, tutoring and directing behavior as established by their Individualized Educational Plan.

Yes. While we cannot guarantee that a specific interpreter will be available, clients are more than welcome to request their preferred interpreter(s).

No one interpreter will be the best fit for every situation. That is okay! If a consumer wishes to request a different interpreter for any reason, that is their right. Silver State Sign Language values community feedback and encourages you to share the quality of your experience with our services to help us continue to improve. Feel free to send feedback directly to: [email protected]

All sign language interpreters working in the state of Nevada are required to maintain membership with the Aging and Disability Services Division Interpreter Registry. To work in general community settings, an interpreter must have obtained their National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or must have obtained a score of 4.0 or above on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). To work in educational environments, an interpreter must have obtained a score of 3.5 or higher. Nevada Registration Requirements. Our interpreters understand the significance of professionalism, confidentiality and ethical practices in accordance with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. We are certified, licensed and insured. Most importantly, we are dedicated to continuing professional development and to maintaining a strong foundation of feedback from the local Deaf community in Northern Nevada.