In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature enacted the Nebraska Sign Language Interpreter Act
(Nebraska Revised Statutes §20-150 through §20-159). These statutes authorize the
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) to license sign language
interpreters and regulate interpreter practice in the state.

Effective January 1, 2016, Nebraska Revised Statute §20-156.01 requires that sign language
interpreters who receive compensation for services in Nebraska and Video Remote
Interpreting (VRI) service providers offering services in Nebraska must hold a valid
Nebraska license.

Exemptions under state law include:

• Interpreters working in K–12 educational settings
• Volunteers
• Emergency situations (only until a licensed interpreter is available)
• Interpreting students working under the supervision of a licensed interpreter
• Interpreters working in religious settings
• Interpreters working for a licensed VRI provider under that provider’s business license

These statutes were established to support effective communication for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing individuals, consistent with protections under federal disability law.

View Nebraska Revised Statutes §20-150–§20-159

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the entity providing the service,
program, or activity is responsible for providing and paying for a qualified sign
language interpreter when one is needed to ensure effective communication.

This responsibility applies to:

• State and local government agencies
• Schools and educational programs
• Healthcare providers
• Employers
• Businesses and nonprofit organizations
• Event organizers and service providers

The cost of interpreting services cannot be passed on to the Deaf, DeafBlind, or
Hard of Hearing individual.

The ADA requires that communication be effective, meaning the interpreter must be
appropriately qualified for the specific setting, content, and communication needs
involved.

A qualified interpreter is someone who can interpret accurately, effectively, and
impartially in the specific setting where communication is taking place.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), effective communication depends on
the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication, as well as the
person’s normal method(s) of communication.

When determining whether an interpreter is qualified, consider:

• Licensure: The interpreter must hold the appropriate Nebraska license for the work being performed.
• Length: Longer interactions may require additional experience or multiple interpreters.
• Nature: Medical, legal, educational, and community settings require different skills and experience.
• Complexity: Specialized terminology or high-stakes situations may require a higher level of qualification.
• Communication needs: The Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing individual’s language, communication style, and access needs must be met.

An interpreter is not qualified if they lack the appropriate license, training, or
experience for the setting—even if they are fluent in sign language.

In most situations, no.

Under the ADA, the responsibility for providing effective communication—including a
qualified interpreter—rests with the covered entity. An entity cannot require a
person to bring their own interpreter.

Family members, friends, employees, or volunteers often lack the impartiality,
accuracy, and specialized vocabulary needed to interpret effectively. The use of
children as interpreters is particularly inappropriate and is not permitted except
in very limited emergency circumstances.

A companion may be relied upon only in two situations:

• Emergency situations: An accompanying adult or minor child may
  interpret only until a qualified interpreter is available.
• Non-emergency situations (adults only): An adult companion may
  interpret only if the individual requests it, the companion agrees, and reliance
  is appropriate under the circumstances. This exception does not apply to minor
  children.

Even when an exception applies, a companion should not be used if there is reason
to doubt their impartiality or effectiveness.

No. The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) does not provide
interpreters directly or schedule interpreting services.

NCDHH is the state agency responsible for licensing sign language interpreters and
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) providers in Nebraska.

If you have questions or concerns about an interpreter, or need to file a complaint,
NCDHH is the appropriate agency to contact.

As early as possible.

Service providers are encouraged to request interpreting services as soon as a
meeting, appointment, or event is scheduled.

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals are encouraged to notify service
providers of their need for an interpreter as early as possible.

Interpreter availability can vary based on location, setting, time of day, and the
type of interpreting required.

Even when advance notice is not possible, service providers remain responsible for
making reasonable efforts to ensure effective communication.

An Intermediary Licensed Interpreter, often called a Deaf Interpreter (DI), is an
interpreter who is Deaf or hard of hearing and licensed by the State of Nebraska.

Deaf Interpreters bring deep cultural and linguistic knowledge of the Deaf community
and may use tools such as gesture, visual description, drawings, and props.

A Deaf Interpreter is often needed when an individual:

• Uses unique or non-standard signs
• Uses a foreign sign language
• Has limited or emerging communication skills
• Is DeafBlind or has limited vision
• Uses regional, cultural, or age-specific signs
• Communicates in ways closely tied to Deaf culture

Benefits include:

• Improved understanding for all parties
• More accurate communication
• Reduced cultural or linguistic misunderstandings
• Clearer outcomes in complex situations

An Apprentice Licensed Interpreter holds a one-time license valid for three years,
allowing them to work while completing requirements for full community licensure.

Apprentice interpreters follow the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of
Professional Conduct and work only in lower-risk settings.

Apprentice interpreters should not accept assignments in:

• Financial
• Legal
• Mental health
• Most educational settings
• Most government settings
• Most medical settings

These limitations help ensure effective communication while the interpreter
continues developing professional skills.