Category Archives: Uncategorized

Captioning or more technically stenography or steno is the process of providing a live transcript or captions of audio to an audience. Sometimes happens on a screen which we call Open Captions when they’re provided to everyone in the audience regardless of individual preference. In other situations this might happen on a separate device like an iPad where individuals are able to choose if they’d like to view the captions in English or another language of their choice. 

The most commonly known stenographers are court reporters who create a live record of everything that is said in the room. They report details in minutia should the record ever be needed in the future. While that may be the most well known instance of reporting, it certainly isn’t the most common. We place stenographers and captions (not using a steno machine) in classrooms, business offices and conferences all around the world.

Stenographers can typically type 200+ words per minute on average with many clocking over 300 per minute. They do this by typing phonetically as opposed to letter by letter. Larger words often only require three combinations of key strokes, eliminating much of the additional typing work necessary to produce a full legible message. 

If you’ve ever watched a live event on TV and seen the slight delay in captions, it is because a dedicated stenographer is on the other end of the feed typing out all of the audio by hand. They make corrections on the spot, in real time. While we still use live stenographers sometimes when the transcript isn’t urgent, we’d hire a transcriptionist. This person is trained to convert the audio from a recording with timestamps to be used for captions or voice overs. Often these transcriptionists are pursuing a career in stenography and during their training are able to provide slower but efficient transcriptions on an asynchronous schedule. 

Our live captions and stenographers are available for booking in combination with any of our services. We can provide them live or remotely which is more common as they are able to plug the transcript feed directly into any AV feed currently serving an audience with ease. 

Welcome to summer! One of the biggest and most exciting seasons of the year is happening! It’s PRIDE SEASON! Lots of events, lots of fun, lots of love, and lots of things to include in your event planning in order to make sure everything is accessible for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community! We’ve put together a list of important tips and things to remember while pulling out all the rainbows for this year’s celebration!

When it comes to setting up a space or figuring out the best ways to provide access to such large moving groups of people, here are some things to consider:

Deaf Interpreters Center Stage

Part of providing access for Deaf attendees at Pride events includes making sure they get to enjoy the music and performances with equal capacity to the rest of the crowd. Including Deaf Interpreters not only adds an extra layer of representation to your event, but it also ensures that everyone will receive the top quality of performances Pride is known for!

Ensuring Proper Coverage at the Festival

With so many people in one place, it can be hard to get information spread to an entire audience. We’ve found that the best solution to having extra coverage is to add on a 3rd interpreter to your typical team of 2 for platform events in order to maintain an extra set of hands for casting a wider net of accessibility. This is also life saving in the event of speeches or panels with Q&A portions because it allows for the third interpreter to float in the crowd to interpret for members of the audience as well.

Stationing Access Around Parade Routes

When it comes to long spread out events like parades, it’s a great idea to have interpreting stations set up along the route so that access isn’t only limited to one area of such an important part of Pride season! With multiple interpreters stationed around the route you can ensure that any shade being thrown is accessible to all. It’s also a great idea to staff additional interpreters at the judging booths for all contests, crowd participation activities and critiquing of the floats!

Representation at Pride

Cultural knowledge and lived experience should always be at the forefront of scheduling for pride. Who knows better how to interpret and provide access to events and information about the LGBTQIA+ community other than actual members of said community? When at all possible, the best request you can make when looking for interpreters would be to work with interpreters who are also members of the very community you’ll be hosting these celebrations for!

Accommodations for the Interpreters

We can’t forget that the interpreters are people too, with basic needs in order to work in peak performance mode for long periods of time in the hot days of summer. Here are a few tips to help take care of any interpreters working your event-

• ●  Access to Water- This may seem like a given, but in many situations with so many people, and especially as interpreters may be needing to move around a lot in order to cover each other and those needing access, providing water sometimes falls to the wayside. Interpreting requires a lot of brain power and uses a lot of movement. Staying hydrated is imperative to good brain, muscle, and joint function, and of course just overall health when sweating on hot days!
• ●  Adequate Shade- Speaking of hot days, working long hours in the sun can really make fatigue and exhaustion hit much faster and harder. Having a place for the interpreters to access shade during breaks or really anytime that’s possible will help to ward off some of the extra strain that comes with working in the heat.
• ●  Breaks- Another reason for providing a little larger of a team as mentioned before is so that there are enough people to rotate out and give breaks while keeping everything covered. Especially in the world of interpreting, breaks are important for mental health and the avoidance of mental fatigue with all the brain processing that’s going on. Breaks including protection from the sun, breaks for water, and breaks for eating can really help prolong someone’s energy over the course of these long lasting and high energy events.Be Prepared for Surprises

With every large event, variables change at a moments notice. Things happen in every situation that are out of our control, and the bigger the events are and more people involved, the more room there is for life to step in the way sometimes. Here are some more things to think about to avoid as many of these surprises as possible-

• ●  Plan for Access- This is one of the most important things you can do to ensure success in your endeavors for full access during your event. Simply just make a plan. Plan how many service providers you’ll need, where they’ll need to be and when, and what they’ll be doing and who they’ll be working with. The simple gesture of providing a schedule or itinerary, or even a brief meeting with the agency or contractor providing interpreters can make all the difference in the outcome of your accessibility needs being a triumph or less than hoped for.
• ●  Schedule Breaks- This really goes hand in hand with the last two tips, but it bears repeating that scheduling breaks can easily ensure you don’t run into anyone getting burnt out or not having enough people available to maintain access throughout the whole event. Making sure breaks are in your schedule really allows for interpreters and their team to keep things in order and meet their personal needs as needed without added confusion.
• ●  Security and Safety- When it comes to events like Pride that involve the civil rights of other people, we know things can become passionate and even sometimes a little violent. In the case of any heightened-energy related events like protests, rallies, or riots that may escalate the emotions of other groups, causing violence and/or danger, it’s best to already have a plan in place for the protection and safety of those working with you and your event. It’s a must that you have a safety and security plan in place in the case that interpreters need to be pulled to a safe location or protected from any violence or danger that may happen during any events.We hope this quick guide provided you with some good information and insight for your next celebration of Pride during the summer months at your next event! Just paying attention to the points touched on above can really make all the difference in a smooth, accessible, peaceful, and enjoyable Pride experience for everyone.

Building in access as an organic part of your event is central to what it means to be apart of a community. Many of our values surrounding diversity and inclusion aren’t referenced in regards to Disability access which is something Flamingo Interpreting works every year to change. We want to improve access to our heritage, our community and our culture for everyone in the community.

This year, you can find some Flock favorites in Prides happening in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago and more! Flamingo Interpreting will be sponsoring services for New York City Pride in Manhattan during staged events happening in the last two weeks of Pride month! We hope to see you there!

Wedding certifications are an important part of the immigration process for many couples, but they can also be a source of stress and confusion. This is particularly true when the certifications are in a language other than English. This is why it is important to have your wedding certifications translated by a professional translator before submitting them to the immigration authorities.

Document translation is the process of converting written material from one language to another. This can include wedding certifications, birth certificates, and other important documents. A professional translator is someone who is trained and qualified to translate these documents. They must understand the nuances and subtleties of the languages they are working with, and be able to accurately convey the meaning of the original document in the target language.

When it comes to wedding certifications, it is important to have them translated by a professional translator who is a specialist in legal translation. This is because legal language can be complex and technical, and it is essential that the translator understands the legal terms and concepts that are used in the original document.

The process of translating wedding certifications is straightforward. The couple would provide a copy of the original certification to the translator, who would then translate it into the required language. The translator will then certify the translation and provide the couple with a copy of the translated document. The translated document must be submitted along with the original document during the immigration process.

It is important to note that different countries have different requirements when it comes to translated documents. Some countries require that the translation be done by a certified translator, while others have specific forms that must be filled out. Therefore, it is important to do research and find out what the specific requirements are for the country where the couple is planning to immigrate.

In conclusion, having your wedding certifications translated by a professional translator is an important step in the immigration process. It ensures that your documents will be understood by the immigration authorities and that your application will be processed smoothly. Working with a professional translator who is a specialist in legal translation is essential to ensure that your documents are translated accurately and that they meet the specific requirements of the country where you are immigrating. It is important to plan ahead and take into account the time required for the translation process, so the immigration process goes smoothly.

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and it is essential that everyone has the opportunity to effectively communicate with one another. This is especially true when it comes to individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication. Flamingo Interpreting is a company that provides the best ASL interpreters in New York City, and now also provides remote interpreting services to anyone who needs to communicate with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community all around the world.

Flamingo Interpreting is a team of highly skilled and certified interpreters who provide interpreting services for a wide range of settings, including legal proceedings, medical appointments, educational settings, and more. Our interpreters are not only fluent in ASL but also have a deep understanding of the culture and experiences of the Deaf community. This means that our interpreters are able to provide interpreting services that are accurate, ethical, and culturally sensitive.

But what sets Flamingo Interpreting apart from the competition is our ability to provide remote interpreting services to clients all around the world. Our remote interpreting services are provided through our state-of-the-art video conferencing technology, which allows clients to connect with our interpreters from anywhere in the world, at any time. This means that individuals and organizations that are not located in New York City, but still need to communicate with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, can still benefit from our interpreting services.

Remote interpreting can be especially useful for businesses, organizations, and individuals that need to communicate with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in other countries. For example, our remote interpreting services can be used for international business meetings, virtual court proceedings, and telemedicine appointments.

Flamingo Interpreting takes great pride in providing our clients with the best interpreting services possible, no matter where they are located in the world. We understand the importance of effective communication and are committed to helping individuals and organizations connect with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the most efficient and effective way possible.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best interpreting services in New York City or anywhere in the world, look no further than Flamingo Interpreting. Our team of certified interpreters are ready to assist you in any interpreting needs you may have, with the added benefit of remote interpreting to reach anywhere in the world. Let us help you bridge the gap in communication with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States. In Miami, Florida, there are a variety of resources available for those who wish to learn or use ASL.

One way to learn ASL in Miami is through classes offered at local colleges and universities. Miami Dade College and Florida International University both have ASL courses available for students. These classes can provide a comprehensive introduction to the language and its grammar, as well as an opportunity to practice with native ASL speakers.

In addition to formal classes, there are also ASL clubs and groups in Miami where people can practice their skills and meet others who are interested in the language. For example, the Miami-Dade ASL Club meets regularly to practice ASL and participate in social events. The Deafness Research Foundation also has a Sign Language Social Club where attendees can learn and use the language in an informal setting.

For those in need of ASL interpreting services, there are a number of interpreting agencies in Miami that provide certified interpreters for a variety of settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and legal proceedings. These agencies can also provide on-site interpreting, video remote interpreting, and other forms of assistance.

Finally, there are also several resources available for those who are interested in learning ASL online. Websites like Flamingo Interpreting provide a wealth of information about the language, including tutorials, dictionaries, and quizzes.

Overall, Miami, Florida, offers a variety of resources for individuals interested in learning or using American Sign Language. From classes at colleges and universities to interpreting agencies, to online resources, there are many ways to access the language and the Deaf community in Miami.

Access for the Holidays

The holiday season is so many things to us all! It’s fun, joyful, nostalgic, heartwarming, and so much more! But we also know there’s two sides to everything. The holidays for some can also be stressful, isolating, anxiety inducing, disheartening, and sadly there’s more on this side of the spectrum as well. Why not do all we can to keep our experiences and memories on the positive side for all! One thing that can help take away from all of those less than desirable feelings is feeling included. All it may take is providing access with the help of interpreters and translators!

Interpreting for the Season

We get it, this may not be your first priority when you’re worrying about what colors to put on the office Christmas tree this year, but it should be! You know that guy from accounting who is amazing with numbers but can’t really speak English at a comfortable level to communicate? The one who always sits off to the side alone during meetings and social work functions? Yeah, him. You know it’s because there’s a language barrier, but what can you do about it? You can curate an interpreter to include him! Who knew that you’ve all been missing out on this incredibly fun party animal and a social butterfly during the company Christmas Eve cocktail hour! You do now that you’ve brought in a specialist to put him and everyone at ease by closing the gap on that barrier that was there before! Interpreters are specially trained in facilitating communication and making more than just boring ole’ business meetings accessible. They can help with holiday fun too!

Translation for Your Winter Celebration

It’s almost the New Year, and your office is buzzing about how excited they are to mingle with some of their partners working for other branches of the company overseas. They’ll all be arriving just in time for the annual New Year’s Eve dinner and awards celebration. But wait… they’re coming from all over the world? Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Don’t other parts of the world use other languages to communicate? And we have employees coming from five major cities around the world with limited knowledge of our language? No problem! Call on some experts for translation services! You can get all sorts of things translated for a smooth and seamless event. Menus, programs, scripts, itineraries for travel, and more! Make sure all of your partners feel valued and included by, well… including them!

The Holidays are for Family

Of course, having access at work and business functions should be on top of your personal wish list, but what about being home for the holidays? Don’t count it out! There are still plenty of situations where having an interpreter present can help create harmony at all your family functions! Especially in situations with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, some families just never take the time or make an effort to learn their language or how to communicate. This often leads to isolation, depression, and even feelings of resentment. No one wants to miss that joke everyone is crying laughing about or have someone else speak for them because they don’t understand the questions, and let’s not even get into the dreaded “I’ll tell you later,” because we know that’s not happening. Having an interpreter present can make sure everyone truly has a seat at the table and can be incorporated into every event. Family harmony for all!

And that’s all folks! It’s as simple as that. Get those interpreters and translators working on your next business and/or family functions. It’s a simple addition to put you, those needing services, and your event as a whole at ease! Don’t crash Santa’s sleigh into your next event, let’s land him gracefully by hosting the holidays with access!

As the premier agency in the entertainment industry, we are often asked to interpret videos in American Sign Language for general access. Since the wild success of the CODA film taking home multiple Oscar awards, access has being a hot topic.

For larger conferences or events ASL interpreting is needed on a different level. We are often needed to provide picture in a picture ASL or PIP American Sign Language. In these situations we can provide a live feed for services or we can translate videos and process them separately to be punched in to a larger presentation at a later time.

Not only do we provide American Sign Language translated videos but we can edit them in any color a client chooses. Many of our clients have asked, can you provide Chroma Key as a background color and the simple answer is yes! We absolutely can provide a studio quality video of ASL interpreting to be used at any time with quick turn arounds.

For remote video ASL translation, we can turn videos around within a day, sometimes within a few hours depending on the content and length.

ASL Translated Videos

When providing these videos we can follow our clients specs to the letter. With professional studios in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Boston, we are able to source a team who can provide the exact specifications you need. We can also format and edit our videos to include any of the access requirements carried by your event.

Captioning ASL Videos

We can also provide captioning to our videos or return a .srt file to be used by your production team to overlay. We do this by providing timestamped translated videos for your team to them sync up within their run of show. We can even work around graphic cut ins you are building as apart of the visuals. In order to keep seamless transitions, we can review your script and ensure that no matter where you cut the PIP video in ASL you’ll see a clean interpretation on time with the speaker.

PIP ASL Translation

We can provide videos ahead of your event to punch in to a presentation or even a live feed giving the illusion of live services. We do this in studio then send the mastered file over for you to review. We also stand by for quality assurance (QA) to ensure that if for some reason it doesn’t work with your current plans we can make immediate adjustments. Picture in a picture ASL interpreting can happen live as well with the right technology. In connecting with your team we can give them access to our live feeds allowing you to pull in interpreters from anywhere in the world.

Green Screen ASL

Our studios are equipped with Chroma Key backdrops and 5 point lighting to ensure that we can blend into any branding you’ve built into the graphics. Our goal is to align with your set up as seamlessly as possible. If this means we need to remove backdrops all together and be placed over current schemes and graphics, we can easily do that as well. Our current lead time for Chroma Key is 1 business day.

Asynchronous Translation

We can turn videos around within days. However, if you have a larger ongoing project you would like our help with we can bring the team for a longer booking. In these cases, we can work with you to ensure the videos are being turned around in time with your teams workflow and established expectations. We’ve done hundreds of videos over time on client schedules that follow various time zones and workflows. Because we’re global, we can make just about anything work.

If you’re considering working with interpreters for ASL interpreted videos or ASL translation, we can provide it. We want to provide you the best possible product. When requesting services at http://www.flamingointerpreting.com/request-form please send as many details as possible including a sample piece if possible. We will return a quote and service agreement to you within 48 hours so we can all get back to work!

Can we write back and forth?

Sign Languages have their own complexities like spoken languages. They have grammar, syntax and structure like other languages. Often these aren’t shared with the spoken language of the region. Here is the United States, English is very different from American Sign Language. In fact, many Deaf people do not use English at a level that would support writing back and forth as a means of effective communication. We often say that this is the last resort as a way to communicate important information as it simply doesn’t support what most people think it will. 

Being a second language to many in the Deaf community, using English as a mode of communication in written form can be daunting, intimidating and restrictive of comfortable expression. You want your conversations to make sense to everyone and we want to ensure your point is made, just the way you need it to be. 

Can we rely on lip reading?

Research tells us that even the best lip readers are on average only catching 30% of what is being said. That means that 70% of the words exchanged are up for guesswork. If your doctor only knew 30% of the problem but needed to treat 100% of it, you’d probably be quite concerned and rightfully so.

While every Deaf person is different, the idea of using lipreading as an effective way to be heard remains a fallacy. It simply doesn’t work and for safety reasons, it can be quite dangerous. When working in any capacity, communication should always be a priority to ensure that mistakes aren’t made. This is especially important in arenas like medical and legal communication. A simple misunderstanding can cost immense amounts of money in liability, it can costs people their jobs and worse, lives. 

Important terminology is best provided through an interpreter. Lipreading leading to many misunderstandings, it is easy to imagine guessing incorrectly at phrases like ‘a chronic case of’ or ‘taken twice a week to treat the myopathy’. Even with residual hearing, the sounds in the phrases ‘pay me’ and ‘baby’ can be identical when relying on lipreading. The idea of using a one-size-fits-all approach would never work for you. 

Lipreading is never a great solution to communicate with anyone. Misunderstandings can lead to missed appointments, mixed messages and in the worst case scenario, war. When you need your message to be clear, don’t plan on a puzzle. 

Can we use a family member to interpret?

We are strong supporters of autonomy and want to see every one of our clients able to approach their appointments and business the way they would like to. That often means without the interference of friends, family members or colleagues. Using someone with intimate knowledge of a client as their interpreter is often a dangerous double edged sword. We strive for long term relationships and deep connections at every turn but never at the cost of our client. Not only does using a friend, family member or office associate with some experience put the interaction at risk, it opens you up to liability you don’t want. We’ve heard horror stories of sisters trying to manage a medical appointment only to be too emotionally overwhelmed and children trying their best to manage business with no knowledge on the topic. For these reasons, it is always best to rely on a professional and when the matter is urgent, calling one over remote video conferencing.