Request American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or CART Services
If you need to place a call to a customer with a hearing impairment, dial 711. This is the relay number for communication assistance with the hearing impaired customers. An operator will assist in your communication with the customer.
If you receive a phone call from a Deaf customer through the relay operator communicate as you would with hearing customer.
When a Career Center staff needs to request an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or CART Services through the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), follow these guidelines:
Requests are received by the MCDHH Department of Interpreter/CART Services in several ways:
- Online request: This is the preferred way for making requests. The service may not be used for cancellations.
- Phone: Requests are received between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (617) 740-1600 VOICE and (617) 740-1700 TTY.
Remember to have the ASL interpreter fill out the American Sign Language Interpreter Form for Career Centers after the interpretation service is completed and to send their billing information directly to the Director of the Multilingual Services by fax to (617) 727-8705.
MCHHH will send you a job number for the request. This does not mean you will automatically get an interpreter. As soon as MCDHH has obtained an interpreter, you will be notified. If MCDHH cannot find someone up to 48 hours ahead of time, they will let you know by e-mail and ask you to reschedule. If they do find someone, they will give you the name(s) of the interpreter(s) assigned to that request.
Important: If you need to cancel an ASL interpreter, please contact MCDHH at (617) 740-1600. If you know in advance you need to cancel an ASL interpreter, please contact MCDHH at least 48 hours prior to the service date, otherwise the Agency will be billed for the full amount.
Note: MCDHH is the sole provider of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. They are highly in demand and so the more lead time you can give them to fulfill your request, the better your odds of getting an interpreter for your desired appointment. Three to four weeks advance notice is ideal.