DSHS Contract & Rates

New DSHS Contract for Sign Language Interpreter Services

Due to Washington State’s limited pool of sign language interpreters, the increase in requests, and the community’s renewed desire for in-person interpreter services, ODHH has established four new contracts. These will focus on in person services only. They are separate from the DES contract, which will continue to provide both virtual and in-person services.

How is the new DSHS contract different?

The process for requesting interpreter services through the current DES contract starts with sending a request to a contractor. If they cannot fill it, it comes back to ODHH and we send to a second contractor, then a third of necessary, for a total of three attempts before considering the request “unfilled.” This process has filled many requests since we implemented the system. We generally suggest as much lead time as possible.

The DSHS contract has a different approach to increase the fill rates. Requesters will work directly with the contractors to identify available dates, times, and appropriate interpreter or team. Requests will be made by contacting the contractors (agencies) directly. Once a date, time, and interpreter(s) have been decided and agreed upon, the contractor will take care of the request form.