Sign language interpreting is used for communication between English/French speakers and people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing that have learned to sign. The interpreter verbally communicates with the speaker and signs to the deaf or deafened or hard of hearing person.
For accessibility services for people who are blind or partially sighted, please see accessibility services provided by our translation department here.
MCIS accredited interpreters generally complete an average of 100 instructional hours and approximately 200 hours of practice while in training. They are well versed on the role of the interpreter and the standards of practice set out in the National Standard Guide for Community Interpreters (NSGCIS). or in the case of sign language interpreters, the standards set out by the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC). MCIS interpreters also have a great command of general legal, medical, and social services setting, and they are continuously evaluated through a quality improvement feedback process. They:
- adhere to the Code of Ethics, staying true to the message, remaining impartial and unbiased;
- adhere to confidentiality policies and privacy laws;
- are tested in both languages for language proficiency;
- are trained in legal and medical terminology in addition to terminology in public health, mental health, child welfare, immigration, partner assault response, domestic violence, courts – (criminal, civil, family) tribunal and court law, sexual assault, social services, elder abuse and human trafficking.
MCIS conference interpreters have a minimum of a Master’s degree in conference interpreting, and/or are members of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), or the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO).