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Information About Interpreters

Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

How to Find a Certified/Qualified Interpreter in Florida 

Qualified Interpreter
Qualified interpreter means an interpreter who, via a video remote interpreting (VRI) service or an on-site appearance, is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Qualified interpreters include, for example, sign language interpreters, oral transliterators, and cued-language transliterators. (Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations)

How to Locate a Sign Language Interpreter for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Customers or Clients

If you have a customer or client who is deaf or hard of hearing you may be requested to provide a sign language interpreter. As the hiring entity, you have the option to hire individuals directly or through an interpreter service agency. To begin your search, go to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID searchable databases listed below and search by city and/or state. You can also find interpreters in your area by contacting a local deaf service center, or Center for Independent Living in your area. 

  • Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
    RID certifies sign language and oral interpreters. A certified interpreter must be a current member of RID and will be listed in their online searchable database
  • Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID)
    FRID is an organization that sponsors, initiates and promotes policies and activities that further the American Sign Language interpreting profession. FRID has an updated, searchable member database, which allows a user to search for an interpreter by name. The database will indicate which credentials the interpreter holds, including all of the certifications recognized by RID, as well as those still holding the Quality Assurance (QA) screening credential. The QA diagnostic screening was administered by FRID until October 2013, but the screening is no longer available. There are still some valid QA holders, the last of which will expire in 2018.

Resources for Hiring and Use of an Interpreter