How do I book a NZSL interpreter?

The Deaf person may have particular requirements about the interpreter or type of interpreter they prefer to work with. Reasons for preferring a particular interpreter include:

1. gender of the interpreter (such as in health-related bookings, like visiting a GP, a client may prefer an interpreter of the same gender)
2. experience and knowledge of the NZSL interpreter in a particular setting (such as medical or legal)
3. previous bookings (for consistency, it is often recommended that the same NZSL interpreter does related assignments so that they share the background knowledge and terminology. This would be particularly useful for counselling sessions, for instance)
4. language repertoire (for example, a client may ask for an interpreter who uses clear English lip patterns in combination with NZSL, or is familiar with older or younger people's signing style).
5. If a preferred NZSL interpreter is not available, you should inform the Deaf person of this and discuss appropriate alternatives.

Find NZSL interpreters

There are two ways to find qualified NZSL interpreters. You either contact a booking agency or contact freelance NZSL interpreters directly. There are advantages and disadvantages to each booking method. You should take into consideration the amount of administration required, terms and conditions of the booking agency/freelance interpreter, and any particular requirements for the meeting/event.

Using a booking agency

A booking agency contacts NZSL interpreters on your behalf and handles other aspects of the booking, such as invoicing and helping the NZSL interpreter to get preparation materials or further details of the meeting/event.

Booking agencies either employ NZSL interpreters on a casual or permanent contract, or act as 'brokers' between freelance NZSL interpreters and the agency requesting the NZSL interpreting service.

Booking agencies have checked the qualifications and competence of the NZSL interpreters on their books. Terms and conditions may vary depending on the agency, but they usually charge a booking fee in addition to the NZSL interpreter's fee.

The booking agency or NZSL interpreter will consider all requests before agreeing to provide the service. They need to make a decision on the level of competence required for a particular assignment. The more information about a meeting/event that you can provide in advance and at the time of making a booking, the better that decision-making will be.

Using freelance NZSL interpreters

Freelance NZSL interpreters external manage their own bookings. You contact them directly to make a booking, payment and other matters to do with the interpreting job.

Steps to booking interpreters

• Make contact and check availability, providing full details of the booking. Use the departmental booking procedure for interpreters if available.
• Check terms and conditions, making sure you understand what you are responsible for doing as a result of booking a NZSL interpreter.
• Follow up to confirm the booking in writing or email, even if the initial booking enquiry was confirmed. This makes sure everyone involved has the right details of the booking.
• Inform the Deaf person that an interpreter has been booked. This will help the Deaf person feel confident that they will be able to communicate effectively with you in a meeting and/or access an event.
• Make payment after the interpreting services have been provided. Payment for interpreting services will be advised during the booking process.
• Provide feedback on how the service was provided. Give your Deaf client(s) the opportunity to provide feedback as well. Deal with complaints about the NZSL interpreter if required. Read more about the SLIANZ complaints procedure. external