Client Resources
Graham Interpreting serves private companies, universities, public school systems, and the federal government including NASA, OPM, the Navy, and much more. No matter your industry, we’ll be your partner in providing access to ALL your clients. Graham provides American Sign Language interpreting, communication access, and accessibility solutions such as Section 508 compliance for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals in every type of setting.
As an SBA certified 8(a) and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Graham holds contracting vehicles to make it easy for ordering officials from the government to work with us. We have a Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Office of Personnel Management, and contracts in place for the Fairfax County Government in Virginia (all offices), Fairfax County Public Schools, NASA Kennedy Space Center, and the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, among other clients.
- GSA Schedule: GS-00F-054DA
- Cage Code: 1KME3
- NAICS: 541930
- SAM Unique Identifier: NQFMSBK8HAP5
- DUNS #: 126500446
- FIN/TIN #: 52-1356444
- Capability Statement
From private companies to large government offices, Graham serves every type of client in every industry imaginable, any time they need to provide Sign Language interpreting or other communication access for Deaf individuals. Requesting service is easy and takes very little time. Graham handles all the coordination and scheduling. Just reach out using whichever method you prefer.
Request Sign Language Interpreting Services
GRAHAM offers clients 5 easy ways to request service:
- EMAIL – Send requests directly to our team: interpreting@grahaminc.com
- ONLINE – Use the REQUEST an INTERPRETER link from any page on our website (up top)
- CALL/TEXT – Text or call directly to 202-861-1260
- PORTAL – Enter requests directly into our secure, web-based reservation system, using an assigned login we can set up for you
- FAX – Send a FAX of a completed Interpreter Request Form (from Graham) to 202-330-4524
Tips for Interacting with Interpreter(s) and Deaf Client(s)
Prepare to make your meeting accessible to Deaf clients and interpreters
- Ensure that everyone has materials before the assignment. PowerPoint presentations, agendas, course materials, scripts, lyrics, etc. are important for interpreter prep.
- Set the seating arrangements so the Interpreter is next to the person speaking, and is also in direct line-of-sight for the Deaf client.
- When possible, allow the Interpreter and Deaf client(s) an opportunity to meet briefly prior to the assignment in order for the Interpreter to grasp the Deaf client’s communication preferences and optimal positioning arrangements.
- Please direct questions to the Deaf Client, keeping in mind the interpreter is a tool to facilitate effective communication.
Interacting with the Deaf Client and Interpreter
- Speak directly to the Deaf person and not to the Interpreter. Speak at your regular pace. The Interpreter or the Deaf Client will let you know if you need to slow down or repeat.
- While on assignment, interpreters will not participate in, make comments, share opinions, or add/edit anything that is being presented by either party.
- The interpreter has a duty to communicate everything that is being said. This means that they will also interpret side conversations or anything that is discussed during the assignment.
- If your interpreter is working alone and the assignment goes past the scheduled time, please allow the interpreter to have a short break.
- Remember that Sign Language is a visual language and you must allow sufficient lighting. If there is a projected presentation, keep the lights on so the Deaf client can still see the interpreter.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I request specific interpreters or an interpreter of a specific gender?
Graham will always confirm a preferred interpreter when possible. The more notice we are given, the better chance we have to confirm a specific Interpreter.
How far in advance should I request an on-site ASL interpreter?
Graham will work on every request regardless of notice, but the more notice we have, the better. Requests received with less than 2 business days’ notice will be charged a LAST MINUTE fee.
Can anyone who knows ASL interpret for Deaf clients?
Interpreting is a professional service which requires experience, a specific skillset, and typically certifications. Allowing a person who is not qualified to interpret can lead to misinformation, which can become a liability.
Why is there a 2-Hour Minimum?
This is the industry standard which allows interpreting agencies to compensate Interpreters for their time, service and travel.
When is it necessary to have more than one interpreter?
It is industry standard to have 2 interpreters for assignments lasting longer than 1.5 hours (with some exceptions), platform assignments, roundtable discussions, panel presentations, and where the subject contains complex or highly technical content. A team of interpreters guarantees quality of information and minimizes interpreter fatigue. Interpreters alternate on a set schedule. While 1 interpreter provides the communication, the team will be monitoring the setting for communication issues, providing cues and support to the working interpreter, and monitoring time for a smooth transition of interpreters.
What circumstances would require an ASL-CDI team?
An ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreter is a hearing person who interprets what is being said from English to ASL, which is then used by the CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter), who is deaf, and typically a native ASL user, to break down the information into a fundamental version of ASL. This allows for information to reach more people, to include Deaf or Hard of Hearing clients whose primary language is not English or ASL, who have limited communication skills, or who may be cognitively low-functioning. The CDI bridges the cultural and communication gaps between the hearing ASL Interpreter and the Deaf or Hard of Hearing client.
What is Tactile Interpreting?
Tactile Interpreting is a form of sign language most often used for clients who are low-vision or Deaf-Blind. The tactile interpreter places their hand either on top of, or inside the client’s hand. The Interpreter will then make tactile signs on the person’s hand so they can feel and understand what’s being said. They also describe the speaker’s facial features, body language, and the environment, providing their client equal access to surrounding stimulus.
Community Resources
For Educators
Do you have any questions that are not included? Email us: interpreting@grahaminc.com
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