ASL Interpretation (Supplemental)

The Correctional Service Canada has a requirement to provide interpretation and translation services for offenders on various general and specialized documents and discussions (including medical interpretation), where it is related to their case management.

The work will involve the following:

1.1 Background

Provide oral and visual interpretation services for offenders for case management purposes and emergency and non-emergency medical appointments, in accordance with the Corrections & Conditional Release Act (CCRA) section 27(4), in American Sign Language (ASL).

The Correctional Service of Canada estimates the oral / visual interpretation services will range from 30 minutes to eight hours.

This is a supplemental contract, and services will be required on an as needed basis.

1.2 Objectives:

To provide oral and visual interpretation services on an as-needed basis for offender case management meetings, Parole Board of Canada hearings, Psychological Risk Assessments, Programs meetings, assessments, etc.

To provide qualified medical interpreters for emergency and non-emergency appointments for offenders and parolees in the Pacific Region. The use of medical interpreters results in better evaluation and treatment while reducing misunderstandings or repeat consultations.

1.3 Tasks:

The Contractor must be aware that interpretation of explicit material up to and including Protected Level B may be required, and agrees to perform the task.

The Contractor must provide oral and visual interpretation services in American Sign Language (ASL).

The Contractor must be present at the medical appointment to provide interpretation services and ensure the offender/parolee understands the information being provided by the medical professional.

The Contractor must ensure the Interpreter performs the duties of their profession impartially, since the role of the Interpreter is to facilitate communication not to provide counsel.

The work must be carried out at the location/site the meeting or hearing is being held.

1.4 Deliverables:

The Contractor must provide oral and visual interpretation services in American Sign Language (ASL).

The Contractor must ensure the interpretation is complete, accurate and faithful to the original message with respect to meaning, free of omissions, additions or distortions.

The Contractor must ensure the meaning conveyed by gestures, body language and tone of voice is not lost.

1.5 Location of work:

a. The Contractor must perform the work at various locations in the Pacific Region as identified by CSC, based on parolee or offender supervision, including any federal site in the Pacific Region, eastward from Hope westward to Vancouver, where the service is required.

Zone 1: Metro Vancouver, including but not limited to:

Surrey Parole
New Westminster Parole
Belkin Enhanced CRF
Vancouver Parole

Zone 2: Fraser Valley, including but not limited to:

Matsqui Institution
Fraser Valley Institution
Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Center
Abbotsford Parole
Chilliwack Community Correctional Centre
Chilliwack Parole
Mission Medium Institution
Mission Minimum Institution
Maple Ridge Parole

Zone 3: Fraser Valley East, including but not limited to:

Kent Institution
Mountain Institution
Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village

b. Travel
There are no travel and living expenses associated with the Contract.

1.6 Language of Work:

The Contractor must provide oral and visual interpretation services in American Sign Language (ASL).

1.7 Contractor Qualifications:

All Contractor personnel working under this contract must be a certified member in good standing with either the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) or Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI).

The Contractor must provide proof to the Contracting Authority, by submitting a copy of certification granted for every proposed resource, when requested to do so.