Rhonda

Bought tickets to a concert on July 2, 2022 with some friends and my sister. We were crazy excited as one of my fav bands, Tank and the Bagas, was performing. The concert was culturally specific, so in making my interpreter request, I specifically stated this and that I would be more than happy to provide terp names if needed.

 Unfortunately the individual I was working with, S. Vincent, did not relay that to the interpreter coordinator (who also didn’t do due diligence in researching the performers) and hired non-BIPOC interpreters who are not certified nor appropriate for the job.

After back and forth with Ms. Vincent, I was emailed by her boss, Piper. When I explained the issue with who they had down for the interpreters not being certified not appropriate for the event, I was told:

“Should (interpreter coordinator) not have success we will need to stick with (name 1) and (name 2) as the interpreters for this show. I understand that this will not be the experience that you had hoped for and if you prefer to no longer attend the concert, I can provide you and your party with a refund for your tickets. I do hope that you will consider still attending the show, if (interpreter coordinator) does not have success finding other interpreters.”

I explained that her response was offensive, as by using them it would not be providing equal access, thus not adhering to ADA. I explained how my initial request was specific and I had asked if referrals were needed.