Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Department / Established in 1977. Restructured in 1992.

Non-State Based Requests

RICDHH also accepts requests from individuals, businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and other non-state entities. However, it is important to understand how our referral service operates. 

We function as a statewide referral service. RICDHH does not employ staff interpreters or captioning providers. Instead, we function as a statewide referral service. When a request is submitted, it is distributed to a network of licensed freelance interpreters and captioning providers. Providers choose whether to accept an assignment based on their availability. 

Because of this referral model, RICDHH cannot guarantee that coverage will be secured for any non-state request. 

Non-state entities are also welcome to obtain services directly from any interpreting or captioning agency or independent provider of their choice. Providers working in Rhode Island must comply with all applicable Rhode Island licensure requirements. 

Rates, cancellation policies, travel fees, minimum billing requirements, and other business terms for non-state assignments are established by the individual interpreter, captioner, or agency—not by RICDHH. RICDHH is not affiliated with or responsible for the business practices, pricing, or contractual agreements of independent providers. 

If RICDHH is unable to secure a provider for your request, we are happy to provide contact information for interpreting and captioning agencies that may be able to assist you.

RICDHH also accepts requests from organizations and businesses that are not part of the State of Rhode Island. While we make every effort to secure qualified interpreters and CART providers, coverage cannot be guaranteed. 

Examples include: 

  • Public school districts (K–12) 
  • Private schools 
  • Charter schools 
  • Medical offices and physician practices 
  • Hospitals and healthcare systems (when not state-operated) 
  • Dental offices 
  • Mental health providers 
  • Law firms 
  • Businesses and corporations 
  • Nonprofit organizations 
  • Community organizations 
  • Banks and financial institutions 
  • Insurance companies 
  • Private colleges and universities 
  • Conferences, workshops, and events 
  • Religious organizations 
  • Individual/private requests 

Non-State-Based Request Process 

  • RICDHH will make every effort to locate qualified providers. 
  • If we are unable to secure coverage, we will notify you as early as possible. 
  • When appropriate, we will provide contact information for other interpreting agencies that may be able to assist. 
  • Rates and travel reimbursement may vary depending on the interpreter or agency providing the service.