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Why Community Outreach Program for the Deaf

At the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf, we take the time to understand our clients' needs and provide sign language interpreting and consulting for conferences, job interviews, training, doctor's appointments, legal settings and much more. Our knowledge and experience allow us to provide a positive image of accessibility.

Interpreting Organizational Advantage

COPD contracts with numerous professional sign language interpreters as either full time staff or independent contractors, enabling us to provide for even last minute interpreter assignments. Clients can easily contact our experienced schedulers by telephone, website, or email at any time. Each scheduler is thoroughly trained to identify the specific details critical to matching each assignment with the appropriate interpreter.

Interpreting Resources

COPD is the only not-for-profit provider of interpreting services in the Tucson metropolitan area. Competing with for-profit agencies challenges COPD to utilize business practices and tools that minimize the cost of doing business, while remaining competitive in a rapidly growing market and efficiently performing business functions so that program surpluses can be re-invested into other Deaf services within the agency. All services are mission driven and COPD provides only state licensed interpreters, with most also possessing national certifications.

Requesting an Interpreter

A client can contact COPD's scheduling staff by telephone, fax, website, or email to request interpreting services. Online request forms conveniently allow for requests to be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 day a week. For requests submitted by telephone, fax, or email, schedulers document all assignment information including client name, assignment time and location, and any necessary contact information. Whenever possible, schedulers will also fill requests for specific interpreters as stipulated by the authorized requestor.

Last Minute/Emergency Interpreter Requests

Frequently, clients contact COPD requesting immediate interpreting services. This is often due to last minute scheduling changes within the client's organization. COPD's state-of-the-art scheduling software and vast pool of employee and independent contractor interpreters, allow us to accept and often fill these last minute requests. Confirmation emails are quickly and efficiently sent to both the client and the interpreter, ensuring that the client is kept current on their request status and that the interpreter is notified of their assignment in a timely fashion.

To obtain an interpreter for an after hours emergency, on a weekend, or on a holiday, please call (520) 620-5553. This emergency scheduling telephone number should only be used by hospitals, police, or other emergency staff. Interpreting requests are taken at (520) 792-1906 ext 7346 and VP (520) 300-9236.

ADA Resources

Since the passing of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, private, state and local government entities are under obligation to consider accessibility to goods and services from individuals with disabilities. In most cases working with individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication or any number of diversified disabilities is a new and occasional experience. Considerations for accessibility are difficult to anticipate.

A benefit of working with COPD is that we have organized some useful resources that will help your organization consider appropriate policy, procedures, and compliance actions related to the ADA.

COPD provides you with a list of links and resources to enhance your organization's sensitivity and education of the ADA's intentions. If you find you need even more information, feel free to contact us and we will consult with you on your accessibility issues.

• ADA Homepage A comprehensive website for the Americans with Disabilities Act addressing all accessibilities issues and disability groups. Highlights listed below.
• ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301
• ADA Business Connection: Addresses the ADA requirements and its affect on businesses.
• National Association of the Deaf - Oldest and largest organization representing 28 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals

How You Can Help

Community Outreach Program for the Deafis a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible

• COPD is a write-in recipient agency for United Way campaigns (code 0316).
• " COPD, as part of CCS, participates in the State Tax Credit Program. Please visit https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CatholicCommunityServices/OnlineGiving.html and designate COPD for your tax dollars.
• We can assist you with a plan to include COPD in your will.

For more information about ways you can help, please call (520) 792-1906 ext 7346 and VP (520) 300-9236.

Community Outreach Program for the Deaf does not, in the provision of services or in any manner, discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status.