Under some circumstances, clients might assume that even though a meeting runs two hours, only one interpreter is needed since the meeting is .informal. and there will be coffee breaks. The danger in this assumption is that especially when the setting is informal, there tends to be more people talking over each other, which makes it difficult to effectively interpret all of the conversations being exchanged. The idea that coffee breaks will provide a break for the professional is also erroneous. The exchanges that occur in the hallways or around the lunch or refreshment table are often the places where a great deal of the important .work. is done. The interpreter often works at these times as well.

Interpreters need frequent breaks, both for mental processing reasons and for the prevention of physical damage due to Repetitive Motion Syndrome/Injury (RMS) or other overuse syndromes. At least one 10 to 15 minute break per hour should be provided.

"To assist businesses with complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 44 of the IRS Code allows a tax credit for small businesses and Section 190 of the IRS Code allows a tax deduction for all businesses.

The tax credit is available to businesses that have total revenues of $1,000,000 or less in the previous tax year or 30 or fewer full-time employees. This credit can cover 50% of the eligible access expenditures in a year up to $10,250 (maximum credit of $5000). The tax credit can be used to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility; providing accessible formats such as Braille, large print and audio tape; making available a sign language interpreter or a reader for customers or employees, and for purchasing certain adaptive equipment.

The tax deduction is available to all businesses with a maximum deduction of $15,000 per year. The tax deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred in barrier removal and alterations."