Professional ASL Interpreters vs Volunteers

Professional ASL interpreters are crucial when communication must be clear, accurate, and complete, especially when it involves Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people who use American Sign Language (ASL).

Many organizations face this decision:

“Should we hire a professional ASL interpreter, or can we just use a volunteer who ‘knows some sign’?”

The answer matters. A lot. Your decision impacts:

• Safety
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Trustworthiness
• Relationships with the Deaf community
  

Why Invest in Professional ASL Interpreters

A professional ASL interpreter is far more than just a person who signs.  Their training involves: 

• A comprehensive understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) and English

• Convey meaning, tone, and nuance
• Navigating intricate, rapidly evolving environments
• Manage medical, legal, and other high-pressure discussions

A volunteer, regardless of effort, cannot be expected to do all of this.

A Real-World Example: When Volunteering Goes Wrong

In 2017, a video clip of a volunteer ASL interpreter during a Hurricane Irma press conference in Florida went viral. This interpreter, while well-intentioned, lacked the necessary skills to convey information accurately. Compare this with the video of a professional ASL interpreter interpreting a different press conference about Hurricane Irma. You can see the stark contrast in the two videos.

Now imagine the same situation with a certified, experienced interpreter:

• Clear, accurate information
• Correct emergency instructions
• Less confusion and fear

In emergencies, miscommunication can be dangerous. This shows why “someone who knows some sign” is not enough.

Professional ASL Interpreters vs. Volunteers: Key Differences

1. Training and Certification

Professional interpreters:

• Complete formal training programs
• Pass certification exams (such as RID, BEI, or state-level tests)
• Follow a professional code of ethics
• Maintain skills with ongoing education

Volunteers:

• May or may not know basic signs or have informal experience
• Often have no formal training or credentials
• May not understand interpreter ethics or boundaries
  

2. Accuracy and Information Volume

In high-stakes settings, the amount of information is large and complex:

• Medical details
• Legal language
• Policy explanations
• Safety instructions
  

Professional interpreters can:

• Keep up with the speaker
• Convey full sentences and complete ideas
• Handle technical vocabulary
  

Volunteers may:

• Miss key details
• Sign only parts of the message
• Confuse or simplify concepts
  

Even small gaps can lead to big misunderstandings.

3. Cultural and Ethical Understanding

ASL is not “signed English.” It is a full, rich language with:

• Its own grammar
• Its own culture
• Its own norms
  

Professional interpreters are trained to:

• Respect Deaf culture
• Avoid adding or hiding information
• Stay neutral, even when topics are emotional
  

Volunteers may:

• Filter or “soften” bad news
• Leave out embarrassing or complex information
• Feel uncomfortable interpreting sensitive topics
  

When Is a Volunteer Ever Okay?

Using a volunteer interpreter should be rare and short-term.

It might be considered when:

• There is a true emergency
• No professional interpreter or VRI is available
• It is the only option to share basic, immediate information

Even then, it should be temporary until a professional is brought in.

For planned events, meetings, classes, appointments, or legal matters, a volunteer is not appropriate.

How Someone Becomes a Professional ASL Interpreter

Becoming a professional interpreter takes:

• Education: ASL classes, interpreter training programs, degree programs
• Practice: Supervised interpreting, internships, and real-world experience
• Certification: Passing tests that measure skill and ethics
• Specialization: Medical, legal, mental health, education, or conference interpreting
  

This process ensures interpreters can:

• Handle fast back-and-forth conversations
• Work with strong accents, complex topics, and emotional moments
• Protect both the Deaf person and the organization from miscommunication
  

ADA Law: Your Legal Responsibility

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Organizations must provide effective communication
• This often means hiring a qualified ASL interpreter
• Relying on someone unqualified can fail ADA requirements
  

If the communication is:

• Important
• Complex
• Legal, medical, or safety-related
  

…then a professional interpreter is usually required.

Failure to provide appropriate accommodation can lead to:

• Complaints
• Lawsuits
• Fines
• Damage to your reputation
  

Hiring a professional interpreter is not just “nice to have.” It is often required by law.

Tax Credits and Business Reputation

Many businesses do not realize:

• There may be tax credits to help offset the cost of accessibility accommodations, including interpreters (check with your tax professional).
  

Beyond cost:

• The Deaf community is close-knit
• Word spreads quickly about positive and negative experiences
  

If your organization:

• Invests in professional interpreters
• Treats Deaf people with respect
  

…you build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships.

If you rely on:

• Volunteers
• Family members
• “Someone who knows a little sign”
  

…you risk:

• Confusion
• Harm
• Losing the trust of the community
  

Why Choose Professional ASL Interpreters (Not Volunteers)

When you work with professional interpreters, you gain:

• Clear, accurate communication
• Protection for Deaf consumers and your organization
• Confidence that messages are understood the way you mean them
• Compliance with ADA and best practices
  

When you work with volunteers, you risk:

• Misunderstandings
• Hurt feelings
• Medical or legal mistakes
• Complaints and legal issues
  

How 5 Star Interpreting Professional ASL interpreters Can Help

At 5 Star Interpreting, we focus on one thing: Accurate, accessible communication between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Our interpreters are:

• Highly trained
• Certified or qualified
• Experienced in a wide range of settings, including:
  
  • Conferences
  • Business meetings
  • Medical appointments
  • Legal proceedings
  • Community events
    

We provide:

• Professional ASL interpreting
• Culturally respectful services
• Support in Utah, Illinois, Georgia, and Idaho.

Don’t leave communication to chance or to volunteers who are doing their best without the right tools.

Contact 5 Star Interpreting:

• Schedule an interpreter
• Or call: 801-960-3046
• Learn how our services can improve communication in your organization

Experience the difference a professional ASL interpreter can make.

Quick FAQ: Professional ASL Interpreters vs. Volunteers

Q: Why can’t we just use someone who “knows sign”?
A: Because knowing some signs is not the same as interpreting. Professionals are trained to handle speed, complexity, and accuracy.

Q: Is it really a legal issue?
A: Yes. Under the ADA, organizations must provide effective communication, which often requires a qualified interpreter.

Q: Are interpreters too expensive?
A: The cost is small compared to the risk of miscommunication, lawsuits, or harm. You may also be eligible for tax credits.

Q: Can a family member interpret?
A: This is discouraged and often inappropriate. They may be biased, emotional, or untrained.

Q: When is a volunteer okay?
A: In emergencies, as a last resort, and only until a professional interpreter can be brought in.