• Sign Language Interpreter: An Interpreter is a skilled professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share the same language. American Sign Language (ASL) has its own syntax and grammar structure and the Interpreter must be able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. The Interpreter must understand the signed message and correctly articulate the message into English and use signs that matches the communication mode of the Deaf consumer in order to convey the content and intent of the spoken message.

• Intermediary Interpreter (Deaf Interpreter): Deaf Interpreters are persons with excellent communication skills, knowledge of Deaf culture, and have specialized training and /or experiences in the use of gestures, mime, drawings and other tools to enhance communication. A Deaf Interpreter will usually team with a sign language Interpreter to provide effective communication for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf Blind person and the hearing person(s) involved.

• Oral Interpreter: Deaf and the Hard of Hearing who do no sign may request an oral Interpreter for effective communication. Oral Interpreters translate the meaning of spoken words by quietly mouthing the speaker’s words for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person. Oral Interpreters are able to substitute words for those that are difficult to speech read while maintaining the intent of the speaker. Sign language is not generally used by oral Interpreters for effective communication.

• Deaf Blind Interpreters (Tactile interpreting): Deaf Blind Interpreters sign in close proximity to the consumer, palm writing, finger spelling in the consumer’s hand, or signing while the consumer feels the signs with their hands.

• Video Interpreters: Sign Language Interpreters that provide interpreting services from a remote location, through video conferencing protocol and/or through appropriate software on a high-speed/ DSL connected PC-based workstation.

Real Time Captioning ( RTC) / Computer-Aided Realtime Translation (CART ) services: This service provides simultaneous written text of the spoken language either on a computer screen or projected onto large screen by professional Captioners and/or court reporters.

Open an Account:If you are new to using our services, NorCal has a Service Agreement that outlines services offered, fees and procedures for requesting services. Once this agreement has been completed, and received, services will be provided. Our services are provided on an as-needed-basis, and subject to the availability of staff and subcontractors. Other options for businesses and organizations are by agency contract, Purchase Order or pay by credit card. For Individuals requesting services will need to have a valid credit card or prepay for services by check.

NorCal accepts MasterCard and VISA.

Request for a service agreement can be made by calling our Dispatch (916) 349-7525 or (209) 474-8996, FAX (916) 349-7578, or e-mail: terprequest@norcalcenter.org. Any questions about setting up an agency contract please contact Susan Snapp at 916-349-7500 or e-mail to terp@norcalcenter.org.

Freelance Interpreters and Captioners: Interpreters and Captioners who would like to offer their services to NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, need to contact Susan Peterson, Human Resources at 916-349-7500 or e-mail to jobs@norcalcenter.org for more information.

NorCal accepts Interpreters that hold current certifications with RID (CI, CT & CSC, CS:L), and/ or NAD Levels III, IV & V, and/or ACCI Levels III, IV & V.