The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) values the professional relationships formed between interpreters and the Deaf community.

Quality of work is paramount in the profession of interpreting. A code of professional conduct is a vital component in maintaining a high level of quality. In any profession, these codes establish standards for individuals within that profession to adhere to and measure their performance. The NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) requires our certified interpreters to be accountable for their actions and behave in an ethical manner, which fosters trust between interpreters and consumers. 

The nature of interpreting is complex, due to linguistic, cultural, and situational differences and challenges. Unfortunately, in an interpreting assignment, these challenges can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and occasionally allegations of professional misconduct. Following such events, it is necessary to fully assess whether or not a violation of our CPC has occurred in an interpreting assignment. To do so, a formal complaint must be filed with the Ethical Practices System (EPS).

Our EPS takes a multi-level approach, one that is both educational, corrective, and, when warranted, punitive. If you believe an interpreter has violated the CPC, a complaint must be submitted to the EPS within 90 days of the alleged violation. It is important for consumers to be aware that formal complaints to EPS can only be filed if the following conditions are met:

  1. against an interpreter who is/was a member of RID at the time of the alleged violation;

  2. as a result of the interpreter’s conduct prior to, during, or after an interpreting assignment;

  3. by a person who has direct knowledge of or involvement in the interpreting assignment in which the alleged violation occurred; and

  4. based on the possible violation(s) of the official NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.

Each complaint that is submitted will then be reviewed, and a determination will be made as to whether or not the complaint will be pursued. RID responds to all complaints received. However, not all complaints are accepted and opened as formal cases. Before a complaint can be fully processed and a case opened for review, the EPS may request additional information.

The EPS carefully and judiciously review each case, including the complaint, responses and any evidence submitted to ensure it meets criteria and then makes a recommendation for next steps in the process- Mediation and/or Adjudication. Our mediators are certified interpreters (Deaf, Coda, and hearing), as well as Deaf community members who have completed extensive training through RID. Our adjudicators are all members of RID and/or NAD, are certified interpreters, are skilled in ethical decision-making, and are knowledgeable in the fields of interpreting and deafness. They are also given an orientation to the EPS structure and undergo training in case review procedures. Objectivity is key throughout the review process. To ensure the integrity of the EPS process and to avoid undue negative consequences for any of the parties involved, RID requires that all parties maintain strict standards of confidentiality.

RID also recognizes the importance of a timely resolution to these sensitive situations, while at the same time affirming the need for the careful analysis and the detailed review of each case. Based on past experience, and because each complaint requires individual attention, it takes an average of 7 to 8 months from the time a complaint is filed until a resolution is determined.

If, ultimately, a complaint is rejected, it is often due to: 

  • the complaint being filed against someone who is not an RID member; 

  • the complaint being filed against an agency when the EPS is for individuals; 

  • the complaint being filed beyond the 90-day filing limit; 

  • the complaint being filed for reasons unrelated to the interpreter’s role as an interpreter; 

  • the complainant not providing sufficient information for the EPS to take action; 

  • the complainant not participating in the process;

  • or some combination of the above reasons.

Unless properly handled, when a conflict arises, the experience and its effects can prove devastating for the interpreter(s) and the consumer(s). Having a system like the EPS, enables RID to thoroughly process grievances, which strengthens the field of interpreting and builds accountability and trust with consumers.

If you are ever concerned about an interpreter’s on-the-job conduct, please take the time to examine the EPS Policy Manual to see if RID has the authority to review and process a complaint.

If the interpreter is/was not a member of RID you cannot file a complaint against them through our EPS. However, you may want to contact your local state interpreter licensing board to find out what other options may be available (see: rid.org/advocacy-overview/state-information-and-advocacy/).

Finally, if you would like to get involved in directly supporting the EPS process, RID always welcomes new applicants to become volunteer mediators. Please visit our online form to apply: https://rid.org/ethics-eps-mediator-application/.

For more information regarding both the CPC and the EPS, please visit the following webpages: