Interpretation Request Guidelines

    • Interpretation requests should be submitted a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the date of service.
    • Interpretation services are available for both General Education and Special Education events, including but not limited to: parent-teacher meetings, student conferences, screenings, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) & 504 meetings, school enrollment, dissemination of information specific to school activities and programs, etc.  
    • ASL  interpretation requests should be submitted as early as possible (3 to 4 weeks prior) for the best chances of securing services.
    • In emergency instances (e.g., medical emergencies, criminal activities, etc.) ASL interpretation services can be requested via MCDHH with less than 24 to 48-hour notice, but the fulfillment of said request is not guaranteed.
    • Special Education meetings (i.e., IEP & evaluations) should be requested at the earliest in order to secure services.
    • To eliminate the number of interpretation cancellations or no-shows, we ask you to do the following:
      • Confirm parent attendance two days before the scheduled event.
      • If a parent is not attending,  promptly inform the agency and the Translation and Interpretation Unit (interpretations@bostonpublicschools.org) of the cancellation.  Cancellation confirmations need to be confirmed 24 hours before the date/time of service in order to not be charged. For additional guidance, please see The Guidelines: Securing ASL Interpreters.

         

Cancelling Interpretation Requests

  • If after securing an interpreter you need to cancel the service, please email the agency/vendor in question as soon as possible, CCing interpretations@bostonpublicschools.org. When cancelling please provide the below listed information:

    • Request Submittal Number
    • Requester Name
    • Requester Telephone Number
    • School or Department
    • Date and time of interpretation appointment
    • Language(s) requested

    If you have your confirmation, you can also send that with a request to cancel to the appropriate agency.

     

    LINK TO FULL POLICY LINK >>>>>>>>  TRANSLATION & INTERPRETATION SERVICES POLICY MEMORANDUM

     

Request an Interpretation