Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Vermont Interpreter Referral Service (VIRS) provides statewide interpreter referral services for American Sign Language/spoken English/oral interpreting assignments in medical, legal, mental health, employment, educational, civil and recreational settings.

Interpreting, simply stated, is receiving a message in one language and delivering it in another. Interpreting is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skill. Hiring a skilled interpreter assures professionalism, expertise and equal accessibility.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted in 1992, most organizations are now required by federal law to provide interpreting services as necessary to ensure effective communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. The Vermont Interpreter Referral Service works with service providers and organizations to assist them in locating the most appropriately qualified interpreters and cost-effective terms.

For additional information or to inquire about the hiring of an interpreter, please call 802-254-3920 (v/tty/vp for Deaf callers), toll free 800-639-1519 (v/tty), 802-877-839-6846 (VP for hearing callers) Email: VIRS@sover.net or access the web site at www.virs.org.