WHY SHOULDN'T WE USE A MEMBER OF STAFF WHO HAS HAD SOME SIGN CLASSES? The interpreting process is very different from casual signing.  ASL has many idioms and idiosyncrasies, as all languages do.  Along with manual signs, ASL relies heavily upon non-manual communication.  Within the term of "Sign Language" there are four major signing modes that range from true ASL (American Sign Language) to PSE (Contact Signing), to SEE II (Signing Exact English) and CUED Speech.  The deaf community is extremely diverse.  The interpreter must be skilled in each of these areas to be able to match the signing style of the deaf consumer for effective communication to take place. Several years of interactive training is required to achieve a level of proficiency to accurately interpret most situations.  There are also different levels of state certification for interpreters which determine the types of assignments/situations they are professionally and legally capable of interpreting. Liability Insurance is another serious issue one needs to consider before choosing to use a member of staff as opposed to a professional interpreter.  For everyone's protection, make sure you are dealing with a reputable agency that carries Professional Liability insurance on each of its interpreters. (BACK )