Tools for Sign Language Interpreters

The days of paper invoicing, big calendar books and fax machines are quickly coming to an end.   Interpreters have been given a wide new range of tools to quickly and efficiently document signatures, medical information and track time.  Apps that are easily downloaded to our phones are changing the interpreting industry while protecting our client’s information. 

Some interpreters prefer to carry around a calendar book filled with timesheets.  After an assignment, (in theory) they head home and fax or scan the document back to their agency for processing.  The interpreter stores the timesheet for a period of time in case of verification and then the document is destroyed.  It is a model that has worked for many years.  The more agencies an interpreter works for, the more organization is required to keep up with various timesheets.

Other interpreters have downloaded apps such as “Genius Scan” that converts pictures into a PDF.  When the interpreter is finished with an assignment, they can take a picture of the timesheet using their phone.  Genius Scan will convert that picture into a PDF and it will email the timesheet to your agency within seconds.  The interpreter has an email copy and the agency gets the timesheet minutes after an assignment.  This method is wonderful and it saves a bunch of time BUT you still are using a paper timesheet. 

THE best app that I’ve found so far is “PDF Expert.”  We use a fillable timesheet form that can be uploaded to Google Drive and accessed by using PDF Expert or other similar apps.  The interpreter types in the assignment details on their phone or tablet and when the job is completed, the authorized representative can sign the document using your touch screen.   With a touch of the finger, the interpreter emails the agency a digital timesheet and they can move on to their next assignment. 

The days of paper invoicing, big calendar books and fax machines are quickly coming to an end.  It has been a good run… 

Of course all of this will be replaced shortly as more agencies turn to secure online scheduling software systems, (say that 3 times fast!!)  What do you use?  What is the best, most secure system of tracking timesheets for an interpreter and the agency’s perspective?

BRANDON BRIDGES

3 Bridges Sign Language Services, LLC

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