![employees of the ISO greet visitors to their office](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080921123823im_/http://www.usda.gov/oo/target/images/thumbs/interpwelcomethumb.jpg) |
The Interpreting Services Office (ISO) joined the TARGET Center in 2001. We provide services in sign language in a variety of modes (American Sign Language, PSE, Oral, English) and also provide note takers and captionists who use a range of technologies. These services, which are available for USDA employees and visitors, are provided for Department or agency events, staff meetings, one-on-one meetings with co-workers, training, office social events or any other situation which requires communication among employees. It is best to contact this office as soon as you become aware of the meeting or event, so we may have adequate time to arrange interpreters/captionists.
|
Our office also provides sign language instruction and consultation on use of an interpreter/captionist for your needs. Let us help you make your communication as smooth as possible.
ISO Policy
Training, Conferences, Retreat, etc.
For any request of three or more days in duration, ISO must receive the request at least three weeks prior to the start of the event.
3-month Request (Quarterly)
For regularly scheduled events such as staff meetings, you are responsible for submitting requests 3 months at a time.
Requests are due:
- Mid-December for January, February & March;
- Mid-March for April, May & June;
- Mid-June for July, August & September;
- Mid-September for October, November & December.
Large Events
When planning a large event, it is necessary to include the requests for interpreters early in the planning stage. If you have a script, an agenda or words to music, please send it to ISO, as it would be helpful for an interpreter to prepare for the event.
General
If you request on very short notice, we cannot guarantee you services.
To send a request or changes, use Interpreting.Services@usda.gov. No other communication methods will be accepted.
If any ISO staff member sends you an e-mail regarding an assignment, please click “Reply to All” so the information will go back to all ISO staff members.
Requests for Interpreting Services
Requests for Captioning Services
Cancellations, Changes
You are required to email at this address: Interpreting.Services@usda.gov and notify us about any cancellations/changes. If the requesting agency does not give at least a 4-day notice prior to canceling/changing the time of an assignment, that agency will still be liable for payment of that assignment. ISO will not accept requests or changes from a flyer, poster or other email notices. Flyers and attachments can be helpful in giving supplemental information; however, all of the scheduling information regarding the request must be in the e-mail to Interpreting.Services@usda.gov.
Evaluation Form
Print out the PDF form, fill it out on the interpreters’ performance assessment, and fax it to (202) 720-8098. ISO’s fax machine is in a secluded area where the interpreters do not have access.
NOTE: The evaluation form contains PDF document that require the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If Adobe's® Portable Document Format (PDF) files do not open within your browser, and you do not have the program on your computer, you can download a free Adobe® Acrobat Reader.
Thank you!
USDA Interpreting Services Office
Last Modified: 09/05/2008
|
|
|
|