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 LIFESIGNS,
Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt California Corporation providing
communication access to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing
Community.
LIFESIGNS, Inc. provides services to the following areas:
Los Angeles County, Orange County, Inland Empire, Ventura
County, Antelope Valley, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, and
Inyo County.
Interpreting Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. During the normal business day, interpreters are dispatched
through the LIFESIGNS business office and four regional offices.
A private answering service handles after-hours requests.
Currently, LIFESIGNS coordinates an average of 40 to 50 interpreters
each day in various settings. LIFESIGNS recognizes and works
with professional interpreters who possess certification from
either the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) or Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
All proceeds go back into the organization to provide direct
services to the deaf and hard of hearing community. By utilizing
LIFESIGNS, you are assured quality interpreting services and
you are improving the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
WHY DO I NEED TO REQUEST AN INTERPRETER?
Some people may feel that writing is an effective mode of
communication with a deaf or hard of hearing individual. However,
writing takes 5 to 6 times longer than speaking through a
sign language interpreter. Writing is also cumbersome and
is limited in its content, often resulting in misunderstandings.
Relying on lip reading is a risky venture. It is a fact that
even the most skilled lip reader is able to recognize only
30% of what is said on the lips. The remaining 70% of the
message is left to guesswork.
You may ask, "Why can't I use a friend, family member
or someone who knows sign language to "interpret"
for me? There is a world of difference between a professional
interpreter and a signer.
Interpreting is really quite complex. It requires an individual
to have fluent command of both languages, as well as excellent
recall and short-term memory. An interpreter must translate
from one language to another while simultaneously listening,
storing new information and recalling what is being said.
Interpreters adhere to a strict code of ethics, which promotes
neutrality, confidentiality and objectivity. They demonstrate
their qualifications via a successful completion of a rigorous
certification test.
TIPS WHEN REQUESTING INTERPRETERS
Please make your request well in advance.
Generally a minimum of 3 to 5 working days advance notice
is required.
When requesting an interpreter, please have the following
information: Name, address, contact person, phone number,
situation and billing information including authorizing person
and phone number.
If you have not utilized LIFESIGNS services, you will be
asked to sign a Service Agreement that outlines LIFESIGNS
policies and procedures. Your request will not be processed
until the Service Agreement is signed by an authorizing individual
and faxed back to LIFESIGNS.
OFFICE HOURS AND LOCATIONS
Business Hours: Monday through Friday,
between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding weekends and holidays.
KERN COUNTY 661-327-3783
AFTER HOUR MEDICAL, LAW ENFORCMENT
AND MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES ONLY
After Hours: Monday through Friday
after 5:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m., weekends and holidays.
Emergency requests for medical, mental health or law enforcement
interpreting
are given top priority. Certified sign language interpreters
are on call
24-hours a day, 7 days a week specifically for life threatening
emergencies.
To request emergency interpreting services during business
hours please call (323) 550-4210. To request emergency interpreting
services after hours please call (800) 633-8883. Please do
not call the emergency line to make appointments. This line
is for life threatening emergencies only that require immediate
response.
Since the interpreter will arrive within 45 minutes, it is
recommended that the request be made immediately.
Emergency interpreting is defined as interpreting services
requested by medical, mental health or law enforcement with
less than 24 hours notice.
Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM 12PM
1:00 PM - 5PM
excluding weekends and holidays
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