I’ve recently taken up doing something that will probably drive
me bananas. A small education about interpreters, ADA, and why
taking sign language classes does not mean you can interpret. It
is against the law to offer anything unless you are willing to
make it accessible to everyone. That’s why there are ramps to
most stores, and guide dogs are allowed in places of business.
Something a lot of people may not realize though is that this
law (The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) also
stipulates that any place of business must hire interpreters if
the Deaf client needs one for communication. This applies to
hospitals, companies, schools, and pretty much any place that is
not a “non-profit” organization. If you make money doing it,
then you are required to make it accessible. Sometimes this
means Deaf people are discriminated against, because hiring an
interpreter is expensive. The average hourly rate for an
interpreter varies, but generally it can be between $30 – $50.
(I’m not in this price ra