About Us
We rather firmly believe that ALL deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing users of ASL would benefit from true access instead of perceived access - to their surroundings.
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Perceived access is when there is someone 'signing' or written material being passed back and forth, ineffectively providing communication access. The hearing people who are involved, and don't know sign language, see someone moving their hands and feel that communication access is being facilitated. Or, the deaf, deaf-blind, or hard-of-hearing ASL users' English language literacy level is such that they are not fully comprehending the information that is being shared with them, yet the hearing people think that they should.
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True access is when a certified and qualified interpreter is interpreting with the deaf, deaf-blind, or hard-of-hearing person(s). In general, they are trained to provide a more complete interpretation of the message and the surroundings. In the school setting, they interpret not only the material being taught by the teachers, but also interpret the student's peer communications.
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With true access, we are more likely to successfully support: ​​
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the student's access to social development, as well as their access to academic development - in their own language,
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the ASL user's ability to access communication - to understand and to be understood
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and the hearing parties access to communication - to understand and be understood
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We have a certified master mentor on our team who can come to your site and help you determine the effectiveness of your present means of access. We can also present in-service training for your team on cultural awareness, interacting with deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing people, or how to use an interpreter (on-site or via VRI) most effectively.
Striving to provide access from birth through adulthood.
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We pride ourselves on our team approach in providing education, support, guidance and true access for all of the players involved. Our philosophy is that of providing information and resources so that our clientele can make informed decisions about the communication access modes that best suit them. We want people to know that they have options. If you and your family have decided that American Sign Language is the communication access mode that suits you - we can work together to build your language skills.
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National Association for the Deaf perspective on interpreters:
“Deaf and hard of hearing people deserve to have interpreters who know what they are doing and who do it well. A qualified interpreter is one who can, both receptively and expressively, interpret accurately, effectively, and impartially, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Interpreters who struggle with their own expressive and receptive sign skills are difficult to understand, and cannot convey their clients’ messages accurately. This situation benefits no one. Deaf and hard of hearing people get frustrated, hearing people (businesses, speakers, interviewers, etc.) form an unfavorable impression of the entire experience, and the interpreting profession gets shortchanged.”
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This is why we hire only professional - RID nationally certified interpreters. Not only are they able to interpret effectively and accurately, but they also adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct * (tenets listed below). Their experience and ability to handle your communication needs will save you time and money.
We provide interpreters for emergency and non-emergency situations - via Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
For non-emergency, pre-scheduled interpreted appointments, we can provide you with an interpreter via VRI. This kind of interpreting works well for one-on-one, small group, teleconference, or online meeting settings. Plus, we have an extensive pool of certified interpreters - nationwide - ready to serve your interpreting needs. Just call or email us to request an interpreter.
For emergency situations, when you need an interpreter to “fill the gap” until an on-site interpreter can arrive - we also provide VRI services. You can get triage started within minutes, instead of waiting for an interpreter to arrive on-site. While you are working with the interpreter via VRI, we will locate an interpreter and send them to interpret on-site. You will need a high-speed (broadband) internet connection, computer, and a web camera. Our VRI program is HIPAA compliant.
Alaska Interpreting Alliance, Inc.
Owner/President
Kathleen Bodolay, CI, CT
RID Nationally Certified Interpreter
Kathleen M. Bodolay, CI, CT, has provided high-quality sign language interpreting services since 1998. She maintains a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in all situations and aims to ensure that all parties involved are confident, comfortable, and satisfied with the services provided by herself and the other interpreters who work alongside her. She is nationally certified, having both the Certificates of Transliteration (CT) and Interpretation (CI) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the national certifying organization for sign language interpreters. Throughout her career, Ms. Bodolay has continued to participate in professional continuing education opportunities such as Regional and National Conferences, Workshops, and Expos to stay apprised of the most current, and best practices within our profession.
* Code of Professional Conduct TENETS:
- Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.
- Interpreters possess 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.