American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that uses signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people.
The EEO Office contracts with a local Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) for HQ DODEA employees and visitors to our offices. All DoDEA locations should contact their local EEO offices if Interpreting Services are necessary. If you have any questions, please contact the Disabilities Program Manager.
To request services, contact the Disabilities Program Manager or DMEO staff member in your local area It is always best to request services as early as possible. Any assignment lasting over two hours usually requires an additional interpreter. As with most accommodation requests, the division, area office or district where the employee, interviewee, contractor or guest works (or will work) is ultimately financially responsible for the accommodation.
As with all accommodation requests, an employee must ask for an interpreter to be provided as we cannot assume that an interpreter is needed. There are cases when deaf and/or hard-of-hearing employees may not know ASL or other types of sign language or they may be fine with lip reading. Examples of when an interpreter should be used are:
If you are planning an event open to all employees and/or the public, you must ask if anyone has special needs or accommodation requirements. All general announcements or publicity for the event, meeting or interviews should always include a notice asking for special needs of the attendees.
Remember that the interpreter is only there to facilitate communication - not as a participant in the conversation.
Interpreters Code of Ethics: Interpreters are professionals who must follow a code of ethics including: