Interpreter Services - FAQ's

How do I request an interpreter?

*Call our office at 918-832-8742 or 888-311-3523

How much notice do I need to request an interpreter?

*The earlier you notify TSHA, the better.  This allows ample time to find the most qualified interpreter for your assignment.  As a general guideline, you should try to make the request at least two weeks in advance.  A helpful practice is to request an interpreter as soon as you schedule a meeting, event, or appointment.

What if I realize at the last minute that I need an interpreter?

*TSHA will attempt to fill every request that we receive.  Unfortunately, the number of certified interpreters has not kept pace with the rising demand for interpreting services, so there will be times when TSHA cannot fill a last-minute or short notice request.

What do I do if I have an emergency?

*You can contact TSHA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-311-3523.

What situations are considered emergencies?

*Emergencies are generally considered to take place at the hospital or involve the police. Other situations will be considered by the Interpreter Coordinator on call.

Why does TSHA charge for assignments that have been cancelled?

*TSHA follows the industry standard, 24 hour cancellation policy.  Due to the critical imbalance of supply and demand, if an interpreter accepts your assignment, they have usually turned down other assignments.  If your assignment cancels with less than 24 hour notice, the interpreter will have missed the opportunity to accept other work.  Our interpreters depend on these assignments for their livelihood.

Why do I need two interpreters?

*Any assignment 2 hours long or longer requires two interpreters.  There is a great deal of mental and physical effort involved in interpreting and a very real threat of repetitive motion injuries.  The pool of interpreters is such that we can’t afford to lose even one to injury.  To get a glimpse of the physical demands of the job, imagine holding your arms out in front of you at shoulder level for 2 hours.

Why does TSHA charge for travel time?

*If an assignment is 60 miles or more from the interpreter’s home, travel time will be charged.  We do this to encourage interpreters to accept assignments in areas which do not have qualified interpreters.  Due to the number of requests, interpreters usually have the option of staying near their home and working.  We implemented the travel time charge as an incentive to get the interpreters to accept out of the way assignments.

Why am I charged for the entire time requested when our assignment ended early?

*As mentioned before, interpreters usually have turned down other assignments to accept yours.  They have blocked off that time and did not accept other work.  We refer to this as block of time.  Imagine showing up at work only to be told you’re not needed and would not be paid for that day.

Why does it take so long to receive an invoice for services?

*Interpreters have 30 days to submit their invoices to TSHA.  TSHA bills for interpreter services once each month, on the last day of the month.  If an interpreter works for you on January 5, they have until February 5 to turn in their invoice.  That charge will then be billed to you on the last day of February. 

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