Ask HIS Sign Question Library
For HIS Sign Service Providers
Below you’ll find questions submitted through Ask HIS Sign along with our responses. Questions are organized by topic. Responses are updated regularly, and some questions may require follow-up before a final answer is posted.
We are committed to transparency and ongoing communication with our service providers, including ASL interpreters and CART professionals.
Scheduling & Assignments
VIS assignments in Ūsked are released based on predefined criteria including certification, licensure (where required), availability settings, service preferences, and customer-specific requirements.
When an assignment meets those criteria, notifications are sent simultaneously to all qualified service providers. Because this process is automated and delivered in real time, assignments may be accepted very quickly.
Assignment distribution is not purely first-come, first-served. When multiple qualified providers are available, factors such as experience, customer preferences, continuity, performance history, and alignment with assignment needs are considered.
We encourage all service providers to keep availability, credentials, and preferences updated, as these directly impact notification eligibility. We continue working to improve VIS visibility within the portal.
Virtual on-call services are tied to specific customer contracts that define response expectations, availability windows, and minimum billing requirements.
These assignments are typically pre-staffed with a designated pool of service providers who agree to the contractual parameters.
We continue to pursue additional virtual and on-demand opportunities; however, expansion depends on customer demand and contract feasibility. When new opportunities arise, eligibility criteria will be communicated clearly.
The one-hour VIS minimum is directly tied to customer contracts and negotiated billing structures.
Any adjustment to minimums would require alignment with existing contractual agreements and pricing sustainability. Changes cannot be made unilaterally without affecting contract compliance.
There are no changes to announce at this time; however, service structures are periodically reviewed.
The Accessibility Team requests prep materials from customers whenever assignments involve specialized content. When materials are received, they are distributed promptly.
When materials are not provided, we follow up and continue advocating for access to relevant information to support service quality.
Pay & Invoicing
Compensation is directly tied to customer contracts, reimbursement structures, and long-term operational sustainability.
Rates are periodically evaluated based on market conditions and contract viability. Adjustments must align with customer pricing agreements.
There is no blanket rate increase being announced at this time. Compensation structures vary depending on service models and contract types and are reviewed strategically.
Credential-based differentials depend on whether customer contracts support differentiated billing. When a customer specifically requires medical certification, pricing reflects that structure.
Implementing a universal medical differential would require alignment with customer billing models and remains part of broader compensation review.
Service providers operate as independent contractors. Travel expenses are generally the responsibility of the contractor unless reimbursement is explicitly authorized within a customer agreement. When approved, reimbursement is passed through accordingly.
Technical Tools
Ūsked operates using rule-based criteria configured to align with customer requirements.
Notifications are triggered when assignment parameters match a service provider’s qualifications and availability. The system does not subjectively rank providers outside of defined criteria.
Professional Development & Training
Licensure & Updates
We continue to monitor developments related to Maryland educational interpreter licensure. There are no new regulatory updates at this time. Any changes will be communicated promptly.
We are aware of ongoing discussions within the broader interpreting community, including developments related to RID, CASLI, and BEI.
We have updated our scheduling system to reflect various BEI levels and to align compliance tracking where BEI is accepted.
We continue monitoring industry developments and will communicate relevant updates as appropriate.
Suggestions & Improvement Ideas
Registration
Communication & Leadership
During business hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time), service providers can expect acknowledgment and timely responses from the Accessibility Team.
After hours, urgent matters should be directed to the designated emergency contact process. The After Hours Policy is available on our website.
Material policy updates are communicated via email broadcast. Portal-related updates are reflected within the system. Clarifications may also be addressed during Town Halls or formal announcements.
Over the past two years, rapid growth, system transitions, and staffing challenges created operational strain.
With the implementation of Ūsked and recent hiring, we are now better positioned to apply automation, improve compliance tracking, and make more thoughtful staffing decisions.
Our goal is to balance customer requirements with service provider sustainability by strengthening systems, refining processes, and aligning growth with capacity.
We continue monitoring assignment giveback trends, as reliability directly impacts customer confidence and long-term opportunity.
HIS Sign does not tolerate retaliation.
We value constructive feedback and believe concerns cannot be addressed if they are not raised. We also recognize that organizational decisions must balance the needs of individual service providers with broader customer and operational considerations.
Service providers may submit feedback anonymously through the Ask HIS Sign form available on our website.
Other
HIS Sign was founded by individuals with personal and professional ties to the Deaf and interpreting communities. That lived experience reinforces our commitment to access, professionalism, and partnership.
Our leadership remains focused on balancing growth with relationships, service quality, and long-term sustainability.
Still have a question?
We welcome feedback and questions from our service providers. Submit your question through Ask HIS Sign, and our team will review and respond as appropriate.
Last Updated: February 2026