Interpreters translate spoken words into sign language for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person and translate sign language for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person into spoken or written words for someone who does not understand sign language. An interpreter may work for a deaf person, a hard-of-hearing and/or hearing person, an entity that provides services for deaf or hard-of-hearing people, or an entity that is obligated to provide communication access under state or federal law. (Possibilities include hospitals, school systems, television stations, court, police station, or candidates for elective office, etc.) The Deaf Services Commission of Iowa (DSCI) has a current list of interpreters that are available to provide services in Iowa.
