ASL/English Interpreting
Welcome to Mockingbird Interpreting Services LLC! We look forward to working with you to make communication happen.
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Mockingbird Interpreting Services is committed to providing exceptional interpreting services to meet the needs of our customers. All of our interpreters are certified by either the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) or the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). Additionally, in the state of Michigan, all of our interpreters satisfy the requirements of the Deaf Person's Interpreter Act and are licensed by LARA.
Why do I need to provide an interpreter?
There are a great many reasons people and businesses sometimes need to hire an interpreter, but the most basic reason is that a Deaf person needs access to the situation. This could be a Deaf parent wanting to watch their child's concert at school. This could be a Deaf person interviewing for a position. This could be a Deaf person seeking medical attention. These are all situations where interpreters are needed.
There is also the legal obligation to provide accommodations for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act says that any business providing services to the public must also be accessible to people with disabilities. If you are a store, this could mean putting in a ramp and an automatic door opener. If you are a doctor's office, this could mean providing sign language interpreters.
But most importantly, it's the right thing to do. Deaf people should be able to access the opportunities, services, and goods just as any one else can, which sometimes requires reasonable accommodations.
How much does it cost?
Interpreting services are just like any other professional service. There is training, skill, and experience involved in the development of qualified sign language interpreters. The fee for our services depends on a few factors such as duration, complexity, type of work, endorsements required, and location. ​
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Our base rate of service is $75 per hour. Each assignment is booked for a minimum of 1 hour. Each assignment also has an associated service charge which varies, depending on the factors listed above, but is equal to or greater than 1 hour of service.
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There are differentials for evening, weekend, emergency, holiday, last minute, and legal work. Evening and weekends are 1.5 times the base rate. Holiday, last minute, and legal work is 2 times the base rate.
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What else do I need to know?
Interpreting is very complex. Most assignments longer than an hour require two interpreters. This is to avoid mental fatigue and repetitive motion injuries. It is also to ensure accuracy. Medical appointments longer than an hour, typically require one interpreter. Legal assignments of any duration require at least two interpreters, often more, because of the complexity and gravity of the situations.
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There is a 48 business hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your appointment with less than 48 business hours notice, we will bill you the entire amount estimated for the appointment.
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MIS does not charge mileage or travel to our customers. Those considerations are already built into our service charge calculations.
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