Our ASL Interpreters

The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) provides high quality interpreting services in American Sign Language. Services are available throughout Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. The Disability Empowerment Center is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities, so we understand the unique needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Our certified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are available for a multitude of needs and settings.
As an area non-profit organization, when you use Interpreting Services from the Disability Empowerment Center, your dollars are invested back into your local community to enhance services for individuals with disabilities.

Sara Kohl

ASL Interpreting Services Scheduler

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The Art of ASL Interpreting

According to RID, the Art of Interpreting:
  • The process of transmitting spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) and/or gestures for communication between Deaf and hearing individuals.
  • Enhancing the quality of interaction between the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
  • Serving as a tool in bridging communication gaps.

Our DEC Interpreters are certified ASL Interpreters and/or Certified Deaf Interpreters who are passionate about the work they do! They are professional and timely; operate under a Professional Code of Conduct; and available to answer questions or address any issues that may arise before, during or after an interpreting assignment. DEC understands that each situation and client is unique so we are committed to addressing your specific needs and will provide the best interpreter for your specific assignment.


Talking with Signs

Sign Language Interpreting makes communication possible between individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and hearing individuals. It can require a number of skills and thorough understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Interpreters must understand the subject matter they are working with in order to interpret it from one language to another. They must also be able to understand cultural context, in order to accurately interpret the information being communicated.

Interpreters will always strive to remain unbiased toward the content of their work and will not modify the meanings or tone of what is being communicated. For this reason, some Interpreters may request materials prior to an assignment in order to prepare. Confidentiality is always understood and Interpreters will always refrain from sharing any information regarding an assignment or what was communicated during that assignment.


About DEC and Interpreting

The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for people with diverse disabilities in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Established in 2002, DEC is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities. We dedicate our efforts to attaining equal opportunity and full participation of people with diverse disabilities in all aspects of life in our community. DEC provides free and confidential services that prioritize self determination, consumer control and personal choice to individuals of all ages, and with all types of disabilities. Through all of our individual and collective efforts, we work to eliminate barriers, ensure access, protect civil rights, and effect positive social change.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • When is an ASL Interpreter required?

    According to the ADA, “People who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities (“communication disabilities”) use different ways to communicate. For example, people who are blind may give and receive information audibly rather than in writing and people who are deaf may give and receive information through writing or sign language rather than through speech.


    The ADA requires that title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. The goal is to ensure that communication with people with these disabilities is equally effective as communication with people without disabilities.


    For people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or are deaf-blind, this includes providing a qualified notetaker; a qualified sign language interpreter, oral interpreter, cued-speech interpreter, or tactile interpreter; real-time captioning; written materials; or a printed script of a stock speech (such as given on a museum or historic house tour). A “qualified” interpreter means someone who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., understanding what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person) using any necessary specialized vocabulary.”


    More information is available, here.

  • What are Certified Deaf Interpreters?

    Certified Deaf Interpreters are “deaf or hard of hearing and have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of interpreting, deafness, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. Holders have specialized training and/or experience in the use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication. Holders possess native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language and are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial.” (from Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf)



  • What about confidentiality?

    Confidentiality is always understood and Interpreters will always refrain from sharing any information regarding an assignment or what was communicated during that assignment.



  • Can’t I just write back and forth?

    While this may be an option for some deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, it does not always completely communicate the message. To ensure the message and context are completely communicated, if is necessary to use American Sign Language (the first language of many culturally deaf individuals).


  • Are there tax credits available for the associated fees?

    To assist businesses with complying with the ADA, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses.


    The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility; providing accessible formats such as Braille, large print and audiotape; making available a sign language interpreter or a reader for customers or employees, and for purchasing certain adaptive equipment.


    The tax deduction is available to all businesses with a maximum deduction of $15,000 per year. The tax deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred in barrier removal and alterations.


  • What types of events will I need an ASL Interpreter for?

    DEC provides Interpreters for the following settings:


    Business Interpreting

    Educational Interpreting

    Legal Interpreting

    Medical Interpreting

    Mental Health Interpreting

    Meetings, Conferences and Seminar Interpreting

    Religious Interpreting

    Performing Arts Interpreting

    Personal Events Interpreting

    Entertainment Interpreting