This section explains how to find, book and pay for sign language interpreters.

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• Know what you are responsible for doing when booking sign language interpreter services.
• Plan well in advance.
• Seek advice if you are not sure.

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Tips for a successful booking

Check the deaf person's requirements before you book

You may need to book a sign language interpreter of a particular gender, or one who has specific language skills or experience in working with a particular group of deaf people (for example, a deafblind person or a Māori deaf person).

Check if you need more than one interpreter

You may need to book two or more sign language interpreters if your meeting/event lasts for more than one hour and breaks are not possible.

Book well in advance (where possible)

Book at least two weeks in advance. There is a relatively short supply of qualified sign language interpreters, especially outside of Auckland, and you may find it difficult to book an interpreter at shorter notice.

Plan ahead for events that require more than two interpreters

Make a booking as soon as possible (such as one to two months in advance of the event) if more than two sign language interpreters will be required, or if you have special requirements (such as an experienced conference interpreter or a Māori-speaking New Zealand Sign Language interpreter).

Gather all details before you proceed with a booking

At first contact, the booking agency or sign language interpreter will need to know:

• organisation billing address - who is paying?
• contact person - who is organising the meeting/event
• date, time and location of meeting/event
• name(s) of deaf people involved (if possible)
• description of the meeting/event - what is going to happen?
• description of information about the meeting/event that will be provided to the sign language interpreter in advance.

This information allows the interpreter(s) to make an assessment of their competency to interpret the assignment successfully and, if so, to accept the booking.

Confirm who will pay and check terms and conditions

Be clear on who is responsible for paying for the interpreter, and read the interpreter's terms and conditions (such as what happens if a booking is cancelled).

Keep everyone informed about the booking

Let the deaf person and any other professionals or agencies who will be involved know that a sign language interpreter has been booked. Where possible, give the deaf person the name of the sign language interpreter(s) booked. If there is a change of date, time or venue, inform everyone (including the sign language interpreter).