What is New Hampshire RID?
The New Hampshire Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NHRID), an affiliate chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID, Inc.), is a non-profit membership driven professional organization.

Our purpose is to:

• Act as a body to advance professional and ethical standards for interpreters.
• Provide training and workshops to encourage the advancement for interpreting skills.
• Promote the rights of interpreters, Deaf individuals, and others involved in interpreting situations
• Educate the public on the use of interpreters and ethical standards of the profession.

• Is fluent in American Sign Language and English.
• Translates between two languages: ASL and English.
• Is knowledgeable of cultural norms and values held by Deaf people and those of the mainstream American culture.
• Is formally trained to successfully mediate between two languages and cultures.
• Holds credentials from a state or national level certifying agency.
• Works within the guidelines of professional, ethical conduct as established by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

What is Interpreting?
Interpreting is essentially a tri-step process of receiving a message in one language, grasping its meaning and intent, and delivering it into another language. This is a simple definition of a complex process which requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.

When is an interpreter needed?
A qualified interpreter is needed in interactions between Deaf, Hard of Hearing and non-Deaf ("hearing") people where effective communication is the goal. Basically anytime communication is necessary between people who do not share a common language and culture a professional interpreter should be utilized.

Interpreters interpret for a variety of settings including, but not limited to; for staff meetings, medical appointments, job interviews, board meetings, classes, weddings, funerals and many other situations where Deaf and hearing people interact.

Some situations require the use of a certified deaf interpreter [CDI]. A CDI is a deaf person who is trained as an interpreter and usually works in tandem with an ASL/english interpreter. There are several factors that go into the decision as to whether or not a CDI is required.

Who pays for an interpreter?
Federal and state laws mandate that private and public organizations, businesses, and other entities are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for Deaf and disabled persons in order to have equal access to services and programs. Hospitals, public and private employers, school districts, private businesses, public facilities, courts, among many others are examples of entities responsible for the cost of such reasonable accommodations.

How do I get an interpreter?
In New Hampshire there are two ways to get an interpreter. You can contact one of the two referral agencies in the state: Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. or Granite State Independent Living Foundation or you can get a list of NH licensed interpreters online or by calling 603-271-3877.

What requirements are there for interpreters in NH?
In order to work as an interpreter in the State of NH you must be licensed with the State of NH. Information on how to become licensed can be found at the State of NH-Vocational Rehabilitation web page . In order to apply for your NH Interpreter license you must either be nationally certified or state screened.

How do I become certified?
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), a national organization advocating for the signed language interpreting profession, has developed a nationally accepted certification system. To be certified, interpreters must meet a minimum requirement of training, successfully complete an initial written test, and pass a performance evaluation.

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) also offers National certification. Currently, RID and NAD are working on combining the tests to create one unified certification. To find out more about the certification process for RID and/ or NAD, visit their web sites.

How can I get NH state screened?
The state of NH offers a NH state screening test for interpreters. The NH screening exam consists of a live interview and performance evaluation. For more info, please contact the State of NH - Department of Vocational Rehabilitation at 603-271-3877.

Where can I get training to become an interpreter?
There are a number of interpreter training programs in New England. These offer courses and degrees geared towards preparing the interpreter for professional interpreting and National Certification. Locally, the interpreter training program at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester (UNH-M) is currently offering a variety of course work as well as a BS degree in Sign Language Interpretation.

Programs elsewhere in New England can be found at:
Northeastern University in Boston, MA
Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, MA
University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME