Cultivating Excellence in Interpreting

  Professional interpreting is cultivated through the integration of language, ethics, research, professional judgment, and continuous learning. Like the roots of a healthy tree, the foundations of effective interpreting often remain unseen, yet they provide the strength, stability, and nourishment that support meaningful communication. 

  We believe effective communication begins with understanding the individual.

Meaningful language access involves far more than simply providing an interpreter. It requires understanding the unique language, communication, cultural, and environmental needs of the Deaf individual, as well as the goals of the interaction. Effective interpreting is strengthened through thoughtful preparation, informed decision-making, collaboration, and a commitment to supporting meaningful participation.

Every Deaf individual brings unique language experiences, educational backgrounds, communication preferences, and life experiences. Language acquisition, linguistic fluency, communication goals, and environmental factors all influence how information is received and expressed.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we seek to understand the communication needs of each individual and the demands of each setting. Our interpreting practice is responsive to the people involved, the purpose of the interaction, and the broader communication system in which the interaction occurs.

We recognize that not all Deaf individuals have had equal access to language throughout their lives. Delayed language acquisition, language dysfluency, and language deprivation can significantly influence communication, learning, and participation. Understanding these differences allows us to better identify communication needs and provide language access that is responsive to the individual rather than based on assumptions.

Professional interpreting is strengthened through the integration of multiple disciplines. Together, these foundations support informed decision-making, effective communication, and meaningful language access.

Effective interpreting requires far more than conversational fluency in two languages. It requires a deep understanding of ASL and English, including grammar, discourse, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, register, and the dynamic relationship between the two languages. Strong linguistic competence provides the foundation for accurate, meaningful, and culturally responsive communication.

Effective interpreting begins with understanding the communication environment. We consider language proficiency, communication goals, participant needs, environmental factors, and system variables to support informed decisions about communication access. Assessment is an ongoing process that helps ensure services remain responsive to the individuals and contexts involved.

Our work is informed by current research in interpreting studies, linguistics, language acquisition, discourse analysis, Deaf education, cognitive processing, adult learning, and communication access. Research strengthens professional judgment while remaining responsive to the individuals and systems we serve.

Professional practice is strengthened through an understanding of established interpreting models and theoretical frameworks. These models provide valuable perspectives for analyzing communication, guiding decision-making, and continually refining professional practice.

Professional standards provide an essential foundation for ethical practice. Ethics guide our responsibilities regarding confidentiality, professional conduct, integrity, impartiality, respect, and accountability while serving Deaf individuals and the organizations with whom we partner.

No code of ethics can anticipate every situation. Effective interpreting requires informed professional judgment that integrates ethical standards, research, context, communication goals, and the unique needs of the individuals involved. Professional decision-making is thoughtful, reflective, and responsive rather than automatic.

Professional excellence extends beyond interpreting itself. It includes preparation, communication, reliability, documentation, collaboration, continuing education, sound business practices, and professional accountability. These practices support trust, consistency, and high-quality professional services.

Professional interpreting is a lifelong process of learning and development. Reflection, mentoring, competency-based assessment, constructive feedback, and continuing education strengthen professional competence while supporting continual growth and improved communication access.

 We provide interpreting services in partnership with:

• Deaf individuals 
• Hearing participants 
• Families 
• Educational Programs 
• Businesses 
• Government Agencies 
• Healthcare Providers 
• Vocational Rehabilitation Programs 
• Community Organizations 
• Nonprofit Organizations

At My Interpreting Service, we believe communication access is not measured simply by the presence of an interpreter. It is measured by the ability of Deaf individuals to participate meaningfully, receive information accurately, and engage fully in the environments where they live, learn, work, and contribute.

Our commitment is to strengthen communication access by integrating professional knowledge, ethical practice, collaboration, informed decision-making, and continuous growth into every interpreting assignment. Through this integrated approach, we strive to support effective communication that is responsive to the unique needs of each individual and every interaction.