Notes from The SOS Agency on interpreting practice, accessibility coordination and the work of meaningful access.https://thesosagency.com/en-ushttps://thesosagency.com/blog/booking-the-right-timeframe/https://thesosagency.com/blog/booking-the-right-timeframe/Under-booking interpreter time may feel efficient, but it usually leads to interruptions and incomplete communication. Why proper timeframes protect every party in the room.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/when-an-assignment-runs-over/https://thesosagency.com/blog/when-an-assignment-runs-over/When assignments run over and you have another commitment, timing becomes critical. How to handle the situation with care and integrity, without compromising the next client.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/why-confidentiality-matters/https://thesosagency.com/blog/why-confidentiality-matters/Confidentiality in interpreting protects clients, organizations, and the integrity of every interaction, across healthcare, education, legal, and corporate settings.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/worked-with-this-client-before/https://thesosagency.com/blog/worked-with-this-client-before/Confirming prior interactions with a client can breach confidentiality even when no details are shared. Why neutrality and discretion start with the basics.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/expanding-cart-services/https://thesosagency.com/blog/expanding-cart-services/The SOS Agency is expanding its Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services to meet growing demand while continuing to prioritize ASL interpreting.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTAgencyTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/what-is-cart-and-when-should-organizations-use-it/https://thesosagency.com/blog/what-is-cart-and-when-should-organizations-use-it/Onsite in the roomWed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/what-businesses-get-wrong-about-asl-interpreting-and-how-to-fix-it-in-2026/https://thesosagency.com/blog/what-businesses-get-wrong-about-asl-interpreting-and-how-to-fix-it-in-2026/As organizations strengthen their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ASL interpreting services are a critical part of creating accessible…Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/what-the-agency-handles-so-you-can-do-the-work/https://thesosagency.com/blog/what-the-agency-handles-so-you-can-do-the-work/Interpreting agencies are often misunderstood as organizations that simply fill requests. In reality, placement is only one part of a much larger system…Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/2025-the-year-we-reimagined-the-interpreter-experience/https://thesosagency.com/blog/2025-the-year-we-reimagined-the-interpreter-experience/This year revealed something powerful: interpreting is changing, and interpreters deserve agencies that change with it. ASL Interpreting Reimagined means…Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/closing-out-2025-a-year-of-evolution-in-communication-access/https://thesosagency.com/blog/closing-out-2025-a-year-of-evolution-in-communication-access/As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what this year revealed about the state of communication access. We also reflect on the role The SOS…Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/a-thanksgiving-message-to-our-valued-customers/https://thesosagency.com/blog/a-thanksgiving-message-to-our-valued-customers/From The SOS Agency This month we are celebrating A Season of Gratitude.Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving-to-our-incredible-sos-interpreters-cart-providers/https://thesosagency.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving-to-our-incredible-sos-interpreters-cart-providers/As we pause to reflect this Thanksgiving, our hearts are full of gratitude for each and every one of you. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion are…Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/six-years-of-service-growth-and-gratitude-the-sos-way/https://thesosagency.com/blog/six-years-of-service-growth-and-gratitude-the-sos-way/As 2025 comes to a close, The SOS Agency proudly celebrates six incredible years in business, six years of connection, service, and community. We want to say…Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/six-years-strong-because-of-you/https://thesosagency.com/blog/six-years-strong-because-of-you/Six years. That’s how long The SOS Agency has been growing, learning, and serving, and we couldn’t have done it without you. This milestone is truly a…Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/staying-in-our-lane/https://thesosagency.com/blog/staying-in-our-lane/As interpreters, we have one of the most important jobs in the room: to provide full and accurate communication access. That means carrying not only the words,…Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/understanding-the-interpreters-role-its-the-clients-voice/https://thesosagency.com/blog/understanding-the-interpreters-role-its-the-clients-voice/When working with an interpreter, it’s important to remember one key truth: you are hearing the individual, not the interpreter. Understanding the…Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-way-how-a-simple-phrase-became-our-standard/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-way-how-a-simple-phrase-became-our-standard/It all started in what was supposed to be a regular staff meeting. We were talking about how we approach assignments, how we are double checking our…Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-hidden-heroes-behind-the-scenes/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-hidden-heroes-behind-the-scenes/At The SOS Agency, making language access smooth and dependable isn’t an accident, it’s the result of tireless work by our scheduling team. They are much more…Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-unseen-work-so-much-more-than-schedulers/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-unseen-work-so-much-more-than-schedulers/When people think of a scheduler, they often picture someone assigning names to slots. But if that’s all you see, you’ve missed the real magic. At The SOS…Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/interpreter-fatigue-and-burnout-recognizing-it-and-combating-it-before-it-takes-over/https://thesosagency.com/blog/interpreter-fatigue-and-burnout-recognizing-it-and-combating-it-before-it-takes-over/Being an interpreter, whether you're working in education, healthcare, legal settings, or community assignments, is a deeply rewarding yet mentally and…Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/why-youre-seeing-more-interpreter-teams-and-why-thats-a-good-thing/https://thesosagency.com/blog/why-youre-seeing-more-interpreter-teams-and-why-thats-a-good-thing/If your organization regularly hires sign language interpreters, you may have recently noticed a trend: more requests for team interpreting instead of just one…Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/still-in-the-field-and-thats-my-superpower/https://thesosagency.com/blog/still-in-the-field-and-thats-my-superpower/One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is that I get to wear two hats: agency owner and interpreter. And I love both. Running The SOS Agency is a…Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/why-i-still-show-up-to-assignments-and-what-that-means-for-you/https://thesosagency.com/blog/why-i-still-show-up-to-assignments-and-what-that-means-for-you/As the owner of The SOS Agency, you’d think most of my days are spent behind a desk managing schedules, contracts, and strategy. And while that’s true to an…Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/be-like-water-the-power-of-deaf-and-hearing-interpreter-teaming/https://thesosagency.com/blog/be-like-water-the-power-of-deaf-and-hearing-interpreter-teaming/On March 22nd, we had the privilege of hosting an insightful workshop focused on Deaf and Hearing Interpreter teaming, presented by Jeremy Quiroga, CDI. The…Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-power-of-deaf-and-hearing-interpreter-teaming-enhancing-access-through-collaboration/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-power-of-deaf-and-hearing-interpreter-teaming-enhancing-access-through-collaboration/On March 22nd, The SOS Agency hosted a powerful workshop focused on Deaf and Hearing Interpreter teaming. This session highlighted how collaboration between…Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/psa-dont-be-afraid-to-hit-decline/https://thesosagency.com/blog/psa-dont-be-afraid-to-hit-decline/At The SOS Agency, we completely understand that interpreters have busy schedules. When we send out availability requests, we know that you may not always be…Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-interpreter-shortage-is-real/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-interpreter-shortage-is-real/At The SOS Agency, we take pride in our ability to provide interpreters at a moment’s notice. We understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, especially…Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-season-doesnt-have-to-be-dreadful-year-round-tips-for-a-stress-free-filing/https://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-season-doesnt-have-to-be-dreadful-year-round-tips-for-a-stress-free-filing/For many, tax season brings a wave of stress and last-minute scrambling. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? With a little preparation throughout the…Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-disabled-access-credit-a-valuable-resource-for-businesses/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-disabled-access-credit-a-valuable-resource-for-businesses/As part of The SOS Agency’s commitment to helping our clients thrive, we want to shine a light on a valuable tax incentive that can make a big difference for…Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/2024-year-in-review/https://thesosagency.com/blog/2024-year-in-review/As 2024 draws to a close, The SOS Agency reflects on some incredible milestones. Here’s a look back at what we achieved together in this remarkable year.Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/gratitude-and-growth-a-thanksgiving-reflection-from-the-sos-agency/https://thesosagency.com/blog/gratitude-and-growth-a-thanksgiving-reflection-from-the-sos-agency/> As we gather around tables filled with family, friends, and delicious food this Thanksgiving, The SOS Agency takes a moment to reflect on the power of…Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/exceeding-expectations-tips-for-interpreters-on-delivering-outstanding-service/https://thesosagency.com/blog/exceeding-expectations-tips-for-interpreters-on-delivering-outstanding-service/Being an exceptional interpreter goes beyond skill; it means delivering outstanding customer service to both Deaf and hearing clients alike. Every interaction…Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/tips-for-working-with-an-interpreter/https://thesosagency.com/blog/tips-for-working-with-an-interpreter/In today’s increasingly diverse world, recognizing the need for interpreters is a crucial step toward true inclusivity. Whether in classrooms, corporate…Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-importance-of-professional-development-for-interpreters/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-importance-of-professional-development-for-interpreters/As interpreters, we know that our work requires both skill and practice. Whether you’ve been interpreting for six months or twenty years, there’s always room…Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-agency-difference-elevating-standards-through-professional-development/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-agency-difference-elevating-standards-through-professional-development/At The SOS Agency, we understand that high-quality interpreting services require not just experience but continuous growth and learning. Whether you're looking…Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-agency-past-present-and-future/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-sos-agency-past-present-and-future/Every great business starts with a need, and The SOS Agency is no exception. Its journey began in Atlanta, sparked by a recurring demand from an out-of-state…Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/be-the-team-youd-want/https://thesosagency.com/blog/be-the-team-youd-want/As American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, we understand the importance of advocating for a team for certain assignments. Yet, we sometimes see and hear…Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/why-do-i-need-to-book-two-interpreters-i-only-requested-one/https://thesosagency.com/blog/why-do-i-need-to-book-two-interpreters-i-only-requested-one/When it comes to booking ASL interpreters, one question that frequently arises is: "Why do we need two interpreters?" We assure you that it is not to…Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/should-asl-interpreters-bill-for-arriving-early/https://thesosagency.com/blog/should-asl-interpreters-bill-for-arriving-early/As ASL interpreters, we often debate whether we should bill for arriving early to assignments. Are we preparing ourselves to do the best job possible, or are…Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/understanding-travel-time-and-mileage-costs-for-asl-interpreters-in-the-atlanta-market/https://thesosagency.com/blog/understanding-travel-time-and-mileage-costs-for-asl-interpreters-in-the-atlanta-market/When clients inquire about ASL interpreting services from The SOS Agency, they are often shocked to learn that there are additional expenses for travel time…Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/how-to-get-offered-more-assignments-from-an-agency/https://thesosagency.com/blog/how-to-get-offered-more-assignments-from-an-agency/Securing more assignments from interpreting agencies requires proactive engagement, effective communication, and a commitment to delivering high-quality…Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/knowing-the-ada-and-the-rights-of-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-individuals/https://thesosagency.com/blog/knowing-the-ada-and-the-rights-of-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-individuals/Thanks to legislative measures like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), significant strides have been made to protect the rights of Deaf individuals.…Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-advantages-of-hiring-interpreters-for-businesses/https://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-advantages-of-hiring-interpreters-for-businesses/In today's inclusive business environment, accessibility and effective communication are paramount. Small businesses aiming to cater to diverse audiences face…Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-tips-for-interpreters/https://thesosagency.com/blog/tax-tips-for-interpreters/Interpreters, like other self-employed professionals, may be eligible for various tax deductions to help reduce their taxable income. It's important to keep…Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/should-i-hire-interpreters-directly-or-partner-with-an-interpreting-agency/https://thesosagency.com/blog/should-i-hire-interpreters-directly-or-partner-with-an-interpreting-agency/The choice between utilizing an interpreting agency or directly hiring an interpreter is a decision that warrants careful consideration. While both options…Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/teamwork-makes-the-dreamwork-why-we-partner-with-other-agencies/https://thesosagency.com/blog/teamwork-makes-the-dreamwork-why-we-partner-with-other-agencies/1. Addressing the Shortage: There is currently a significant shortage of ASL interpreters across many communities.Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-medical-interpreter/https://thesosagency.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-medical-interpreter/Alex is an ASL interpreter who gets assigned to interpret at a hospital. After the doctors finish their rounds, Alex faces a choice – sit in the hall or hang…Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/the-role-of-an-interpreter-what-it-is-and-what-it-is-not/https://thesosagency.com/blog/the-role-of-an-interpreter-what-it-is-and-what-it-is-not/In a world that thrives on communication, ASL interpreters emerge as connectors, bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. Join us as we…Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTCustomersTanesh Fosterhttps://thesosagency.com/blog/remembering-makeba-orr-smith/https://thesosagency.com/blog/remembering-makeba-orr-smith/Makeba Orr Smith was a nationally certified interpreter, speech pathologist, and child of a Deaf adult (CODA). She had a bubbly personality and everyone in our…Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTInterpretersTanesh Foster