The Arc of Anchorage :: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center

Interpreter Referral Line (IRL)

The Interpreter Referral Line (IRL) has been providing interpreter services to the Anchorage Deaf Community since 1980. IRL bridges the communication barrier between people who are Deaf and people who are hearing, using American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and transliteration services.

Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has required all "public accommodations" (which includes private businesses), government agencies, and employers with more than 15 employees to provide "effective communication" at their expense. In most cases involving people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the use of ASL interpreters satisfies this requirement.

ASL Interpreters translate a spoken language (e.g., English) into a visual language (ASL), and vice versa. This is faster and frequently more accurate than attempting to communicate via written notes or relying on speech-reading (often known as "lip-reading").

The IRL uses interpreters who are certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or who have been assessed for proficiency by the IRL. Some interpreters are certified to interpret in courts of law. Professional interpreters have up to six years of training in ASL, Deaf culture, the ethics of interpreting, relay interpreting, and the interpersonal aspects of communication. The IRL uses both staff interpreters and a pool of 15 to 20 free-lance interpreters. All interpreters are required to maintain strict confidentiality.

The IRL can provide interpreters for a variety of settings:

Job interviews
Vocational rehabilitation
Religious
Education
Television
Mental health
Hospital and medical
Legal
Performing arts
Law enforcement
Emergency
Counseling

To schedule an interpreter:

Call the IRL at 277-3323 (voice) or 277-0735 (TTY). Be ready to provide the following information:

Date and time of the meeting/event
Location of meeting/event and phone number at that location
Topic of the meeting/event
Name and phone number of the Deaf person involved
Name and phone number of contact person for the meeting/event
Deaf person's preference for interpreters, if known
Billing information: name, address, phone number, purchase order number (if needed), special instructions, forms needed

Do this as far in advance of the meeting or event as possible. Two weeks notice is preferred for a short appointment. For all-day meetings or events, one month's notice is preferred.

The IRL will confirm an interpreter and notify the Deaf person and the contact person.

For more information about Interpreter Services, contact:
Dwight Dean Buechler
IRL Referral Specialist
bholmes@arc-anchorage.org
Phone: 277-3323
TTY: 277-0735
Fax: 279-0341 Toll-free phone/TTY: 1-800-770-3456