Language Interpretation

Language interpretation includes two-way communication between spoken English and:

Language interpretation as defined in this document does not include translation of spoken English to text (see Captioning).

The Missouri Interpreter Certification is administered by the Missouri Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Interpreters may be certified through the Interpreter Certification program in Missouri. Recent changes in the law require that The Missouri Interpreter Certification Board also recognize NAD (National Association for the Deaf) certification levels of 3, 4 and 5 or RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) with CSC, CI/CT, and CDI Certifications. For more information about interpreter certification and licensure, visit the MCDHH website at  mcdhh.mo.gov

To respond to requests for interpreting services, the following will likely be needed:

For special events (theatrical, religious, television or conference) preparation time may be needed to review notes and set up special equipment. Frequently for such events the interpreter will request materials, scripts, notes and proper names to help them better interpret the subject matter. Anticipate breaks for the interpreter and allow for a 5-10 minute break every hour. Assignments may often require more than one interpreter. When estimating interpreter costs, realize that base rates include a two-hour minimum and possibly mileage. Cancellation policies may vary.

The following list of resources is not meant to be all inclusive but will provide a starting point for entities to access interpreting resources in Missouri.

The Missouri Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing maintains a list of licensed interpreters from around the state.

The Office of Administration for the State of Missouri has contracts with individuals and referral agencies to provide interpreter services for state agencies who work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. All contractors provide 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week availability. Each contractor has a defined geographic areas. Any service outside a 30-mile radius requires reimbursement of mileage. Specialized and  unspecialized interpreting are provided. Specialized interpreting may include, but not be limited to, medical concepts/language, mental health, therapy/evaluations, incarceration, highly technical concepts, etc. The following is a list of the current state contracts, effective July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001: