Online Request System

Sign Language Interpreter Contracts and Resources Program

Scroll down for request form links.

What we do:

  • Promote language equity within government services and provide education and solutions to remove barriers.

  • Partner with the Department of Enterprise Services to implement and monitor contracts for statewide sign language interpreter services. These contracts help meet the needs of our community members who use ASL.

  • Promote training on using the statewide contracts for Washington State government employees who provide communication access through Sign Language Interpreter services.

  • Partner with the Health Care Authority to remove communication barriers to health care for Apple Health consumers. 

  • Offer information on interpreter referrals for non-government businesses to provide language access.

  • Collect data on filled and unfilled appointments.

  • Work with the Administrative Office of the Courts to provide information on Sign Language Interpreters' credentials for qualification to work in Washington State Courts as highlighted under WAC 388.818.600

We also:​

  • Set up trainings for Sign Language Interpreters.

  • Offer credentials to Qualified Deaf Interpreters who are not yet certified.

  • Coordinate American Sign Language Proficiency Interviews (ASLPI testing) with Gallaudet University for State employees to qualify for dual language pay.

Do you need to request Sign Language Interpreter services? Read below for instructions.

  1. First set up your account, wait for approval status and instructions to arrive via email. This generally takes less than 1 business day. 

    • You will need to have a Contract Usage Agreement. Click here to search for your organization's or to set one up.

  2. Fill out the online Sign Language Interpreter Request Form. Include as much information as possible. Do not leave fields blank.

  3. Save signlanguageinterpreters@dshs.wa.gov in your email program. All correspondence comes from this email address.

    • The Contractor (Interpreter or Agency) involved with your request will be CC'd on all correspondence.

  4. Payment for Sign Language Interpreter services are paid by your organization or department.

Choose the correct request form below. 

Request Sign Language Interpreter Services: This is a form for service providers. If you are a receiving services, inform your provider to use this online form to request an interpreter. 

Request Apple Health Interpreter Services: This is a form for healthcare providers who are using Health Care Authority's (HCA) Sign Language Interpreter reimbursement program with patients who have Apple Health Insurance. If you are receiving services and have Apple Health Insurance, inform your medical provider to use this online form. 

Here is a form called, Preferred Sign Language Interpreter List - PDF or Word for service recipients to fill out for specific interpreter preferences. This helps service providers obtain appropriate matches for most effective communication.

 

Request sign language  Apple Health  

 

Note:

If you submitted a request, you should receive an email copy of your request with a service request number and contractor’s name and email address. Remember to ensure our program email signlanguageinterpreters@dshs.wa.gov will not be blocked or go to your junk or spam folder. 

To cancel a request:

Please email the Contractor directly. Their email is in the "To:" line of the email mentioned above. If your request has been reassigned to a different contractor, you may email us to inquire who currently has it. The email becomes part of the documentation chain and is especially important if the cancellation is close to before 2 business days. Cancellations within 2 business days of the scheduled appointment time are still billable to the requestor.

To avoid being billed, you must cancel outside of 2 business days prior to the appointment. For example, if the appointment is on Thursday at 2:00 pm, you need to cancel on Tuesday before 2:00 pm. The Contractor will still bill for their service fee if an Interpreter was booked regardless of when the assignment was canceled.

For any further inquiry for assistance, please email us at signlanguageinterpreters@dshs.wa.gov