ASL & English, what are the differences?
There are few similarities between ASL and English. Outside of some that have been created within the educational system, there are no connections between ASL and English, neither historically nor linguistically.

English is a lineal, verbal language based on words and word relationships, and ASL is a gestural and spatial language based on visual conceptualizations. English has developed from a mixture of Greek, Latin, German, French and the early Anglo-Saxon languages. ASL is primarily a culmination of French Sign language, the visual language developed on Martha´s Vineyard during the late eighteenth and nineteenth century, and the additions made within the Deaf Community over the last 150 years.

Who is a qualified interpreter according to the Americans with Disabilities Act?
There are a number of sign systems in use by persons who use sign to communicate. The most common language is American Sign Language. The most common system is Signed English. Individuals who use a particular system may not communicate effectively through an interpreter who uses another system. When an interpreter is required, the public accommodation should provide a qualified interpreter, that is, an interpreter who is able to sign to the individual who is deaf what is being said by the hearing person and who can voice to the hearing person what is being signed by the individual who is deaf. This communication must be conveyed effectively, accurately, and impartially, through the use of any necessary specialized vocabulary.

Can a school use a staff member who signs "pretty well" as an interpreter for a meeting with individuals who use sign language to communicate?
Signing and interpreting are not the same thing. Being able to sign does not mean that a person can process spoken communication into the proper signs, nor does it mean that he or she possesses the proper skills to observe someone signing and change their signed communication into spoken words. The interpreter must be able to interpret both receptively and expressively in BOTH languages.

If a sign language interpreter is required for effective communication, must only a certified and licensed interpreter be provided?
In Missouri, yes. If the person practicing the profession of interpreting without certification and a license, the person is at risk for obtaining for themselves a Class A Misdemeanor.

How do I know if my child interpreter is certified to work in Missouri?
Contact the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and ask if the interpreter is certified. Be sure to ask their level of certification as their level designates which arenas the interpreter can work.

What is the difinition of interpreting?
Call, email, or check the website of the State Committee of Interpreters to ask if the interpreter currently holds a Missouri License to Interpret. 573-526-7787 interp@mail.state.mo.us http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/inter

If I want to investigate more about Certification and Licensure, where will I look?
For Certification, call the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and ask for a copy of the Code of State Regulations Title 5 Division 100 Chapter 200.

For Licensure, call the State Committee of Interpreters and ask for a copy of the Licensure Law for Interpreters Chapter 209.319 209.339 RSMo and Administrative Rules.

Helpful hints for using an interpreter include:

• If you are unfamiliar with using an interpreter, feel free to ask the interpreter or the deaf person through the interpreter.
  
• When talking, look at the deaf person, not the interpreter. Speak directly to the deaf person as if the interpreter were not present. For example, say, "Hello, how are you?",rather than, "Ask him how he is doing?"
  
• In one-on-one situations, the interpreter should be directly beside or beside and slightly behind the hearing party so that the person is easily visible to the deaf person as they watch the interpreter.
  
• The interpreter should be placed away from shadows or any source of bright light, such as a window. When showing videos in the classroom, ensure that the interpreter is well-lit if the video is not already captioned.
  
• Speak naturally.