Stacy Lawrence brings over twenty years of experience in the field of interpreting. During the course of her extensive interpreting career, her portfolio includes interpreting for national and international personalities, respected authors, and political, social, civic and religious leaders. Mrs. Lawrence’s educational background is in Social Work and is often called upon as an expert in the field of Mental Health and Legal Interpreting. Her experience uniquely qualifies her to interpret for, coordinate for, or advise you regarding your interpreting needs. In her free time, Mrs. Lawrence is a dedicated wife and mother of three children. She is an active member of and interprets for Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola. Every interpreter working through this practice has been personally vetted by Mrs. Lawrence. Each interpreter has proven to possess the professionalism and linguistic skill required to represent Connect Interpreting.
Contact us!
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct for interpreters. Embodied in this Code of Professional Conduct (formerly known as the Code of Ethics) are seven tenets setting forth guiding principles, followed by illustrative behaviors. The tenets of this Code of Professional Conduct are to be viewed holistically and as a guide to professional behavior.
Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.
Interpreters posses the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.
Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.
Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.
Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.
Interpreters maintain ethical business practices..
Interpreters engage in professional development.
Businesses have a duty to provide equally effective communication with all people-Deaf or Hearing. For more information you may want to take a look at the American's with Disability Act or the website from the National Association of the Deaf.
40 to 60 percent of English sounds look alike when spoken. On the average, even the best lip readers only understand 25 percent of what is said to them, and many individuals understand far less.
A Deaf or hard of hearing individual may be able to speak clearly, but that does not mean that he or she can lip read effectively.
Many Deaf people consider American Sign Language (ASL) to be their first language. Because the grammar and syntax of ASL differ considerably from English, writing back and forth may not provide effective communication. Also, written communications are often slow and cumbersome and information that would otherwise be spoken may not be written. Thus, the Deaf person is not receiving "equal access" to information that a hearing person would receive.
In most cases, it is the responsibility of the company, organization, or service provider to provide equally effective communication to Deaf individuals.
Nonprofit and for-profit organizations are responsible for providing this communication access.
Learning to interpret is a separate skill from learning sign language, and requires many years to become proficient. Hiring a skilled interpreter assures professionalism, expertise and equal accessibility. A qualified interpreter is an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
This act was passed into law in 1990. It makes everything more accessible and user friendly for individuals with disabilities. This act requires business and organizations (profit and non-profit) to provide "equal access" to persons with disabilities.
The ADA provides legal protection in the following areas: employment, state and local government, public transportation, public accommodation, and telecommunications relay services.
Interpreting is mentally and physically demanding. Studies have proven that even the most highly trained interpreter will lose the ability to adequately and comprehensively communicate if they work alone for more than one hour. Therefore, two interpreters are required for any assignment lasting longer than one hour. Additionally, this decreases the occurrence of cumulative motion injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Yes. Businesses may claim a tax credit of up to 50 percent of eligible access expenditures that are over $250, but less than $10,250. The amount credited may be up to $5,000 per tax year.
Eligible access expenditures include the costs of qualified interpreters, but please check with your accountant.
The first time you utilize the services of a Sign Language Interpreter, you may feel nervous or awkward. This is normal. However, once the appointment starts, you will see the the communication is smooth and efficient.
It is important for you to know that the interpreter will be signing everything you say, and will be saying everything that the Deaf person signs. It is typical to want to watch the interpreter as they sign. However, it is most appropriate to watch the Deaf person as you speak, as well as watching the Deaf person as they sign (although the voice you hear will be coming from the interpreter).
It is helpful to speak directly to the Deaf person (avoid of saying “tell her…” Also, the interpreter will speak in first person as well when voicing for the Deaf person. The communication and relationship are between yourself and the Deaf person. The interpreter is there to facilitate the communication and not a party to the situation.
I am sure you will find the process smooth and enjoyable for all involved.