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Using Sign Language Interpreter Services Washington State Procurement Cooperative (WSPC) members are eligible to access the DSHS contracts for sign language interpreter services. WSPC members purchasing interpreter services should refer to the contracts' terms and conditions. A list of WSPC members can be found on the General Administration website. Requests - Authorized requesters are encouraged to make requests for sign language interpreters 1-2 weeks in advance or whenever the appointment was first scheduled due to the demand for interpreters. Download this form to make a request for a sign language interpreter. It can be sent electronically or faxed to the contractors. Contractors are obligated to confirm whether an interpreter can be assigned to an appointment within 48 hours. Request for Sign Language Interpreter (Word Document) Scheduling Appropriate Interpreters - The requesters and contractors must make every reasonable effort to appropriately match the interpreter's certification, experience, preferences with the client's communication needs, appointment setting and other factors. The requester and contractor must not use family members and interpreters not approved by ODHH. Requesters should consider the following factors when scheduling interpreter(s): Number of deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind customers; Customer's expressed communication needs and interpreter preferences; Length of the appointment; Type/setting of the appointment; Certification level of interpreters; and Any other factors To request appropriate interpreters for appointments, the requester and contractor shall use ODHH guidelines to match the interpreter's certification with the client's preferred communication needs and appointment setting. "Guidelines - Matching Qualified Interpreter with Appointment Setting" (Word Document) To help you ensure an appropriate interpreter has been assigned for an appointment, a list of ODHH-approved interpreters with certifications and other background information can be found on the Interpreters page.   | Contractors | Interpreters | Modification Date: April 29, 2008 Ask ODHH for more information about service offerings. For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information web page. Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster.