How can CCHD help you?

Sign Language Interpreting Services

CommunicationLink provides qualified sign language interpreters to meet community needs for communication throughout Wisconsin.  DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

To schedule an interpreter, call:
Local: 414-604-7231 / Toll-Free: 800-542-9838
TTY: 414-604-7217

 

We Also Provide Video Relay Interpreting!

Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) is a service that provides on-demand and long distance sign language interpreting using video conferencing technology and a high-speed broadband connection or ISDN line carrying both video and audio messages.  While not appropriate for every interpreting situation, VRI can provide easy, fast and economical access to qualified sign language interpreters, especially in situations with an immediate need for an interpreter, when in-person sign language interpreters are not available, or in rural areas where interpreting services are less accessible.

VRI is currently being offered by appointment during regular business hours and will be expanded as demand grows. For more information about whether VRI is right for your interpreting needs, call 800-542-9838.


Why Hire an Interpreter?

Federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), require public and private entities to provide reasonable accommodation for d/Deaf and hard of hearing persons. Therefore, there is an increasing need for qualified interpreters to enhance communication in all aspects of business and daily life.

CommunicationLink is dedicated to effectively, accurately and impartially interpreting what is being communicated. Nationally certified (RID) and/or state verified interpreters* are scheduled with appropriate experience in:

  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Manually Coded English
  • Oral Interpreting
  • Deaf/Relay Interpreting
  • Deaf/Blind Interpreting

Interpreters make it possible for both hearing and d/Deaf individuals to participate fully and equally in discussions. By having an interpreter, communication is facilitated at meetings and events such as:

  • Educational activities
  • Meetings and counseling sessions
  • Presentations and performances
  • Legal meetings
  • Medical appointments
*All CommunicationLink interpreters are eligible for Wisconsin's Interpreter Licensure that will go into effect in 2011. 
 

Requesting an Interpreter

To schedule an interpreter, please Contact Us as much in advance as possible, and have the following information ready:

· Date, time, and length of the event
· Location, including address, room number and directions
· Names of all participants
· Purpose and description of the event
· Name, address and phone number of person or organization to be billed

Billing

Interpreting services are billed in half-hour increments. There is a one-hour minimum charge for all appointments. Travel time and expenses are additional. Even if the interpreter is dismissed early, you will be billed for the entire time scheduled.
 
Longer events may require more than one interpreter due to the physical and mental demands of the task.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change and you need to cancel the services, Communication Link must receive your cancellation request at least 2 business days before the appointment or you will be billed for the entire time scheduled.

Click here to download "Tips for Working with an Interpreter" PDF

Click here to download " Interpreter Code of Ethics" PDF

* To view the PDFs, you must have Adobe Reader. To install this free program, click here.


Programs - Main Page
Business Services - Main Page
Listing of Business Services
Interpreter Information

Still can't find what you are looking for? Check out the downloadable information.

Would you like to learn more about hearing loss?

Sign up for our mailing list and be informed of the latest news and products from CCHD.
AlertMaster AL10 Visual Alert System Package (CL-ALCOMBO)
ASL at Work: Student Text (BDVD208)
CapTel 800i - Captioned Telephone for High-Speed Internet (CAPTEL800i)
ClearSounds ClearBlue Bluetooth TV/Audio Amplifying System (HC-CLTVBT)
ClearSounds Connect360 Amplified Bluetooth Kit (HC-QUATTRO/KIT3)
Midland Weather Alert Radio w/Strobe Light & Vibration (SC-WAKIT1)
Pocketalker Ultra (WS-PKTD1)
SafeAwake Fire Alarm (HC-SAFEAWAKE)