Interpreting for the Deaf

The goals for the new interpreting guidelines are to make the Columbus Jewish community more inclusive of Jews who have impaired hearing or are deaf; provide financial support to individuals and institutions that are in need of interpreting services at community events; and ensure a cadre of available interpreters for the Columbus Jewish deaf community by providing training that enables people to interpret in Jewish settings.

Grant from the Columbus Jewish Federation will provide financial support for oral, sign language and tactile interpreting services for the Jewish deaf community according to the guidelines below.

Qualifying Events for Interpreting must be Jewish educational, cultural or religious activities and the event must be open to all members of the Jewish deaf community.  Purely organizational events such as annual meetings, board meetings, etc. are not eligible.

Interpreting for the Deaf

An individual who wants to have interpreting services at a qualifying event may apply for an interpreting grant in collaboration with the institution providing the event.  Institutions providing interpreting services for an event must include in their event promotions that the services are available and that they are funded in part by the Columbus Jewish Federation.  In the event that there is a cancelation such that the interpreting services are no longer needed, the individual or institution that requested the grant must notify the Federation and/or the interpreter in a timely manner.  Requests can be made for a particular interpreter; however the Federation may substitute another interpreter if the one requested is unavailable.  The Columbus Jewish Federation reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any request for interpreting.

The institution sponsoring the event must have a designated contact person for the Federation and the interpreter. The contact person will be responsible for coordinating with the interpreter and relaying messages to the member(s) of the deaf community planning to attend the event.  If the event is expected to last two or more hours, a second interpreter will be needed to allow each interpreter time to rest.

Grants are available to cover up to 75% of the costs for interpreting services not to exceed $500 for any event.  The Federation will provide grants as long as funds are available and does not guarantee service availability.  The Federation can assist in finding appropriate interpreting services upon request, but does not make a commitment due to factors beyond our control such as the availability of interpreters, the weather, illness, etc.  Funds will also be made available to provide training and support for people providing interpreting services in the Jewish community.  Members of the deaf and deaf-blind Jewish community of Central Ohio and the Columbus Jewish Federation will actively seek funding to support this program.

For more information contact interpreting@tjcf.org or contact Rabbi Idit Jacques at 614.559.3228.

Click here to download the Interpreting Reimbursement Form.

Click here to download the Federation Interpreting Grant Application.

Click here to download the Complete Interpreting Guidelines.

Click here to download the Interpretors Pay Scale 2009