Originally Posted by HoHGuyOhio

While I agree that we're it's not a good idea to bring attention to ourselves, I don't think that we are here to serve "them." In any situation where I am acting as an interpreter, I am there because there are two people desiring to communicate who don't share a language. Therefore I'm there to "serve" both the deaf consumer and the hearing consumer.

Part of my job is to coordinate interpreters for our company. I had an attorney call me last month and said, "A deaf client told me I needed to call you to set up an interpreter." I responded that yes, we do provide interpreters and that I would email him a copy of our fee schedule and our policies & conditions document. He responded, "I have to PAY for this?! Why can't she pay? I'm not the one who needs an interpreter!"

I calmly asked, "Are you fluent in American Sign Language?" He said, "No." I replied, "Well then it looks like YOU need an interpreter as much as she does."

I know it sounds a little anal, but as long as we keep Deaf people in the role of "Consumer" with the vocabulary we use, we're giving all power to the Hearing people. That doesn't bode well for Deaf people.

Sorry to be off topic. Now...back to ink.