Interpreter dress code - Page 2

Reba · 01-17-2005, 10:59 AM

I thought this article was interesting. It focuses on low-vision Deaf but many of the principles still apply. Here is an excerpt:

Dressed to Distress?
By Tara Potterveld, MA, IC/TC, CI and CT, California, and Marylouise Lambert, BA, OTC, California
Copyright VIEWS, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Reprinted with permission.

"I am a Deaf person who has Usher's Syndrome. I went to a low vision clinic at a prominent research university to have my eyes checked. A fair skinned interpreter showed up wearing a shirt that was pink on one side and yellow on the other. Needless to say, I could not see the interpreter's hands against this minimally contrasting background. By the time my driver ran to the car to get a black jacket for the interpreter to wear, we were twenty minutes late starting the appointment."

... as interpreters, we should make it easy for Deaf people to read our signs...

"...if your skin is very dark, you'll want a top that offers as much contrast as possible and at the same time reflects as little light as possible. A soft cotton top that is medium to light gray color is generally a good choice. A `not too bright' yellow is good ... If you have very light colored skin, tops that are black or navy blue are absolutely the best choice for people with retinitis pigmentosa ... People with optic atrophy, rubella, or cataracts often prefer a brighter color such as aqua blue, emerald green, or even dark pink." (p. 113) Smith also notes that the clothing fabric should be non-reflective, soft rather than shiny, and that "touchy-feely clothes that are tactually beautiful are always nice." (p. 109) When interpreting for consumers regularly, it is helpful to ask what clothing colors they prefer the interpreter to wear.

...keep your fingernails short and smooth. "I prefer the interpreters not to use fingernail polish as even clear polish reflects light."
"Because of reflected glint and glare, which is distracting, I appreciate when interpreters remove body piercings and other jewelry when working with me. Unfortunately, even shirt buttons in strong light can flash bits of light to my brain, making it hard to concentrate on the signing."

We are proud to be in a profession where our colleagues put so much effort into developing and enhancing their skills. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all interpreters. Those fine skills are of little use, however, when an interpreter arrives at an assignment wearing clothing, jewelry, or nail polish that make it impossible for the Deaf person to take full advantage of the interpretation.

The responsibility for ensuring that a consumer's interpreting needs are appropriately served belongs to the agency, the interpreter, and the consumer. If each of these participants assumes responsibility for making the interpreting environment the very best possible for the consumer, these special accommodations are more likely to be discussed and implemented and true professional service rendered.

For more, read: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehea...01/dressed.htm

***VamPyroX*** · 01-17-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I thought this article was interesting. It focuses on low-vision Deaf but many of the principles still apply. Here is an excerpt:

Dressed to Distress?
By Tara Potterveld, MA, IC/TC, CI and CT, California, and Marylouise Lambert, BA, OTC, California
Copyright VIEWS, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Reprinted with permission.

"I am a Deaf person who has Usher's Syndrome. I went to a low vision clinic at a prominent research university to have my eyes checked. A fair skinned interpreter showed up wearing a shirt that was pink on one side and yellow on the other. Needless to say, I could not see the interpreter's hands against this minimally contrasting background. By the time my driver ran to the car to get a black jacket for the interpreter to wear, we were twenty minutes late starting the appointment."

... as interpreters, we should make it easy for Deaf people to read our signs...

"...if your skin is very dark, you'll want a top that offers as much contrast as possible and at the same time reflects as little light as possible. A soft cotton top that is medium to light gray color is generally a good choice. A `not too bright' yellow is good ... If you have very light colored skin, tops that are black or navy blue are absolutely the best choice for people with retinitis pigmentosa ... People with optic atrophy, rubella, or cataracts often prefer a brighter color such as aqua blue, emerald green, or even dark pink." (p. 113) Smith also notes that the clothing fabric should be non-reflective, soft rather than shiny, and that "touchy-feely clothes that are tactually beautiful are always nice." (p. 109) When interpreting for consumers regularly, it is helpful to ask what clothing colors they prefer the interpreter to wear.

...keep your fingernails short and smooth. "I prefer the interpreters not to use fingernail polish as even clear polish reflects light."
"Because of reflected glint and glare, which is distracting, I appreciate when interpreters remove body piercings and other jewelry when working with me. Unfortunately, even shirt buttons in strong light can flash bits of light to my brain, making it hard to concentrate on the signing."

We are proud to be in a profession where our colleagues put so much effort into developing and enhancing their skills. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all interpreters. Those fine skills are of little use, however, when an interpreter arrives at an assignment wearing clothing, jewelry, or nail polish that make it impossible for the Deaf person to take full advantage of the interpretation.

The responsibility for ensuring that a consumer's interpreting needs are appropriately served belongs to the agency, the interpreter, and the consumer. If each of these participants assumes responsibility for making the interpreting environment the very best possible for the consumer, these special accommodations are more likely to be discussed and implemented and true professional service rendered.

For more, read: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehea...01/dressed.htm

You're right! When it comes to doing projects or things, I always refer to all or some of CRAP. Yep, you heard it right... C.R.A.P.! What it stands for is Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, & Proximity. For this situation, contrast is important.

Interpretrator · 01-18-2005, 01:54 PM

When I hear stories about interpreters showing up dressed inappropriately (pink and yellow shirts??), wearing tongue studs, etc., I have to assume they have not gone through an interpreter training program (ITP).

Now I DON'T mean to stereotype people who haven't gone through an ITP as unprofessional. I know many excellent, professional interpreters who did not have professional training.

But in ITPs it is usually drilled into students what to wear and how to appear. We are made very aware of this and also why it is important.

Someone here said that it seems these days interpreters are dressing worse. I disagree. More people are going through ITPs these days. I think these interpreters you have encountered probably learned sign and Deaf culture through associating with d/Deaf people, either in their families or out in the community -- and in neither of those places do people always wear "appropriate" clothing! Many people, including many interpreters, don't know the difference between signing and interpreting, and that what is fine to wear at a deaf event just won't work as well when you are interpreting.

I would suggest speaking either to the interpreter or her supervisor if you have a problem with what she's wearing. If it's bothering you, it's probably bothering other clients as well! Any professional interpreter should be accepting of ways to improve her service. I know if I were unintentionally doing something to distract my clients, I'd want to know about it immediately!

(But then I once had someone complain that I only wore black tops. Sometimes you just can't win!)

oakbluffs · 01-18-2005, 02:21 PM

I've heard of a female 'terp wearing a tank top and her armpits were never shaved.

Reba · 01-18-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interpretrator

When I hear stories about interpreters showing up dressed inappropriately (pink and yellow shirts??), wearing tongue studs, etc., I have to assume they have not gone through an interpreter training program (ITP).

Now I DON'T mean to stereotype people who haven't gone through an ITP as unprofessional. I know many excellent, professional interpreters who did not have professional training.

But in ITPs it is usually drilled into students what to wear and how to appear. We are made very aware of this and also why it is important.

Someone here said that it seems these days interpreters are dressing worse. I disagree. More people are going through ITPs these days. I think these interpreters you have encountered probably learned sign and Deaf culture through associating with d/Deaf people, either in their families or out in the community -- and in neither of those places do people always wear "appropriate" clothing! Many people, including many interpreters, don't know the difference between signing and interpreting, and that what is fine to wear at a deaf event just won't work as well when you are interpreting.

I would suggest speaking either to the interpreter or her supervisor if you have a problem with what she's wearing. If it's bothering you, it's probably bothering other clients as well! Any professional interpreter should be accepting of ways to improve her service. I know if I were unintentionally doing something to distract my clients, I'd want to know about it immediately!

Quote:

(But then I once had someone complain that I only wore black tops. Sometimes you just can't win!)

Maybe that person thought you were too "Goth".

You are right; sometimes you just can't win!

Liebling:-))) · 01-22-2005, 12:47 PM

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

That is amazing. Terps at my company cannot refuse service to Deaf clients. We work for a business that serves the clients. It is our responsibility to please the clients. Clients do not need to please terps or terp business.

wow, I understand now since you mention "business" how to please clients. Here is different. Terps are self-employee and do what they wants but they has to stick the Terps. cost after agreement with Agency. Agency only pay professional and non-certifated terps. only.
Terps do what I require is no problem but with dress, no. I respect what they are as they do the same with me, too.

Quote:

Too demanding? That is surprising. It is really no big deal. Many businesses have dress codes for employees. Terping is the same. The code is for professionalism, and to make things comfortable for the clients. That is good business practice.

I understand about "business" what you mentioned but here is different. Terps. are not belongs kind of business but self-employee. See above. We have few terps in Bavaria, that´s why.

Quote:

We wear whatever is appropriate to that specific time and place. I don't wear a black suit for daily work. That is for church and formal business assignments. If I terp at a picnic, I wear casual clothes. If I terp at a public school, I dress similar to the teacher staff. BTW, I live in SC, and work during very hot summers; the good news is, all the buildings here have excellant AC!

Yes, it´s same with Germany. Terps. know what they wear when there´re special occassion like what you mention.

Quote:

Wow! That is a very unprofessional selfish attitude!

selfish? For me, not. IMO
I think it´s selfish when anyone demand too much from terps. because the RESPECT each other is number one!

Quote:

That is most important. If you are satisfied, that is what counts.

We really dont care what they wear but satisfied what they did for us. It´s important that terps. do good enough for us.

Quote:

Sorry, I don't know what is a "mini rock". Was her t-shirt a plain color, or did it have pictures and words? In your opinion, was the outfit appropriate for the setting? That is important. If you and the hearing clients were dressed in a similar way, then that is OK.

I mean short skirt or shorter. I dont know what american langague is. mini skirt? Right?

Quote:

What do you mean, "would not pay me"?

Sorry to confuse you with those word. I mean that Agency would not support me with terps cost if I order terps privately without inform Agency or private terps without non-certifcated and professional.

Quote:

This is how it works here:
The Deaf client needs a terp (for work/college/medical appt.). The hearing client (work super/college disabilities office/doctor's receptionist) contacts the interpreting company. The terp company schedules the terp, tells the terp when and where to show up. The company tells the terp what kind of appointment, so the terp knows what to wear and what kind of signing is expected. The hearing client pays the terp company. The terp company pays the terps.

Who pays the agency?

Government

Quote:

Do you mean your health insurance pays for the terp? In America, the hospitals and doctors are responsible for paying the terps.

Yes, health insurance pays for the terps.

Oh dear, I saw some of posts in threads how they had the problems with doctors, lawyers etc because they dont like to pay terps for deafies. I think it´s wrong because government is suppose to pay them, not doctors and hospitals.

Quote:

No offense taken. I hope not to offend you also.

I am just curious and interested in the ways different countries use terps. This is very educational to me!

Oh no, I´m not offend but interesting.

Sorry for not response your post an earlier.

I understand now about `business´ which it´s different from Germany.

Reba · 01-22-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

Here is different. Terps are self-employee and do what they wants ...

Many terps here are also self-employed. They still obey terp ethics, and dress appropriately for assignments. If they don't, they don't get called again.

Quote:

We have few terps in Bavaria, that´s why.

That is probably a strong factor. If there are not many terps, there is not much competition, so the terps do whatever they want. They know that the clients are stuck with the situation.

Quote:

selfish? For me, not. IMO
I think it´s selfish when anyone demand too much from terps. because the RESPECT each other is number one!

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. I didn't mean that you are selfish. I meant the terps have a selfish, unprofessional attitude. It is obvious that the terps do not respect their Deaf clients if they have that attitude. If a terp respects a client, they should want to please the client and do their best work in a professional way.

Quote:

I mean short skirt or shorter. I dont know what american langague is. mini skirt? Right?

OK, I understand now. Thanks.

Quote:

Sorry to confuse you with those word. I mean that Agency would not support me with terps cost if I order terps privately without inform Agency or private terps without non-certifcated and professional.

I guess "agency" in Germany, and "agency" in the U.S. don't always mean the same thing. The "agency" that I work for is actually a private business. It has no connection to the government.

Quote:

Yes, health insurance pays for the terps.

Does that mean deafness is considered a medical problem, and terps are a health necessity? Is that the reason?
Does health insurance cover all terp assignments or just doctor/hospital appointments?

It is very interesting that each country is different.

Liebling:-))) · 01-23-2005, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Reba: That is probably a strong factor. If there are not many terps, there is not much competition, so the terps do whatever they want. They know that the clients are stuck with the situation.

Yeah, it could be true. I heard that alot of terps in America, that´s why Deafies has no problem to deal with terps. I must say that they are lucky.
Of course terps stuck Agency´s rule and also German law, too for not tell anyone what they see when they terps for us.

Quote:

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. I didn't mean that you are selfish. I meant the terps have a selfish, unprofessional attitude. It is obvious that the terps do not respect their Deaf clients if they have that attitude. If a terp respects a client, they should want to please the client and do their best work in a professional way.

Yes, I know what you mean is terps., not me.
mmmhhh, I understand what you mean but I see the different. Of course terps respect their deaf clients´s attitude - no matter what deafies wear. Deaf clients repsect terps the same - no matter what they wear.
Yes, we are sataisfed that way what terps are because they treat us very well. Why should we worry about the clothes, jewelly, make up eg what they wear?

Quote:

I guess "agency" in Germany, and "agency" in the U.S. don't always mean the same thing. The "agency" that I work for is actually a private business. It has no connection to the government.

No connection to government? How you get money? As you mentioned that U.S. agency, you work for is a private business. How agency get the money from?

Let me explain:
Agency get the money from government with list what they can pay or not every year.
Agency deliver the list of bills how much they spent on terps cost to government to check every year ...
Self-employee terps. send the bill to agency with client´s signuature to proof that they are present, how many hours they terp for us, how many hours drive and km, etc. (terp. cost is not cheap). Agency transfer terps´s bank account everyday. (yes EVERYDAY because they are self-employee).
What Agencies are not pay is:
Employers (bosses) who own the companies, factories, court, hospitals, doctors, insurances etc. have to pay their own if they need terps for their deafies. The terps. can require more money from them privately without Agency´s rule whatever they wants because its outside of Agency.

Quote:

Does that mean deafness is considered a medical problem, and terps are a health necessity? Is that the reason?
Does health insurance cover all terp assignments or just doctor/hospital appointments?

Health insurance cover the terps cost only is:
Due Agreement contract to sign before prepare surgeries is MOST important to get terps to understand about deafies client´s health condition. What cons/pros etc.
Due bad result about Deafies client´s health from Doctor - get terp.
Risk health is MOST IMPORTANT to get terps. that´s why health insurance companies are for that.

I´m disagree what you say about doctors because it´s not fair that doctors in hospital has to pay the terps costs from their own pocket when they deal with deafies clients. It´s healthy risk, the government should consider. What if doctors refused to pay terps. cost?

We (deafies) can deal with doctor ourselves without terps. is go to doctor when they are fever, flu, etc etc..

Reba · 01-23-2005, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

[i][b]No connection to government? How you get money? As you mentioned that U.S. agency, you work for is a private business. How agency get the money from?

Some examples:
The doctor pays the company that I work for. The company pays me.
The college pays the company that I work for. The company pays me.
The business that employs deafies pays the company that I work for. The company pays me.
Government offices/services that use terps pay the company that I work for. The company pays me.

Quote:

Agency get the money from government with list what they can pay or not every year.

There is no government limit for interpreting services here because the government is not paying the bill (except for its own deafie employees).

Quote:

Agency transfer terps´s bank account everyday.

I get paid weekly.

Quote:

I´m disagree what you say about doctors because it´s not fair that doctors in hospital has to pay the terps costs from their own pocket when they deal with deafies clients. It´s healthy risk, the government should consider. What if doctors refused to pay terps. cost?

Doctors are not poor. They can afford to pay the nurses, the receptionist, and the cleaning service. They can afford to pay terps, too. It is part of the doctors' overhead business expense. The cost is deducted from the doctor's taxable income.

Doctors cannot refuse. It can jeopardize their ability to take Medicare/Medicaid patients if they don't obey the ADA. The doctors do not want to lose their Medicare/Medicaid patients!

Quote:

We (deafies) can deal with doctor ourselves without terps. is go to doctor when they are fever, flu, etc etc..

I think you might get some disagreement from other deafies here.

Liebling:-))) · 01-23-2005, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Quote:
We (deafies) can deal with doctor ourselves without terps. is go to doctor when they are fever, flu, etc etc..

I think you might get some disagreement from other deafies here.

What do you mean?

We can deal with our doctors ourselves if there´re little things like flu, blood test, cough, etc etc.

I get terps when there´re a BIG and RISK.

I will be back with my more answer later. (I´m going to fix the breakfast for my family now).

Interpretrator · 01-23-2005, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I get paid weekly.

Dang...I get paid maybe every three to four weeks depending on where I work.

Reba · 01-23-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interpretrator

Dang...I get paid maybe every three to four weeks depending on where I work.

We used to get paid every two weeks but our scheduling and accounting is soooo automated on the computer now that the whole process is quite speedy. I get my schedule on-line at home, perform the assignment, click "done" on the schedule, and away it goes to the accounting service. Every Friday the money is in my direct deposit account, and the printable record is in my email. Occassionally there are glitches, but for the most part it works quite well.

Reba · 01-23-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

What do you mean?

We can deal with our doctors ourselves if there´re little things like flu, blood test, cough, etc etc.

I get terps when there´re a BIG and RISK.

I will be back with my more answer later. (I´m going to fix the breakfast for my family now).

Of course it depends on each Deaf client. Some insist on having a terp for every appointment. I can understand that. Suppose you go to the doctor and you think that you just have a cold and sore throat. Then pow! While you are at the doctor's, he discovers you actually have throat cancer. Wow, maybe you want a terp there at that moment. See what can happen? A simple appointment can become complicated very quickly.

Or you go for a "simple" blood test, then discover it comes back positive for HIV. You should have a terp there.

But that is your choice. You are not forced to use a terp.

01-23-2005, 05:03 PM

Reba is right, I would want an interpreter present at the doctor's appointment. I have had a hard time going to the eye doctor because he is my mom's cousin and he talks too fast. I didn't want to "hurt his feelings" if I asked for an interpreter. I'd prefer an interpreter to be present so the doctor appointment would go smoother with less embarrassing moments of not understanding what the doctor is asking me about. It is important doctors can ask their Deaf clients questions and get answers to correctly diagnose illnesses or symptoms, that is where the interpreter comes in.

Fly Free · 01-23-2005, 05:13 PM

going to the eye doc is the ONLY time ill drag mom with me to terp cuz its really very simple and she also knows of my phobia to the glaucoma pressure tests

any other docs i go on my own with a terp provided or not depending on WHAT the appt is for

rjr2006 · 01-24-2005, 01:17 PM

I have a regular school interpreter and she is always happy. She dresses very well (not too professional or distributed) and I am glad that she is my interpreter because she has a good heart.

Opal · 03-05-2005, 06:34 PM

Recently we had Deaflympic in Melbourne, and they hired Interpreters for Auslan, International sign language, ASL, BSL, etc, all of them wore same black t-shirt and black pants/skirt. It is easy for us to find them at the Deaflympic.

Few months ago, an interpreter came to my daughter's school, on her arrival, she take her gold bracket off in front of me and put in her handbag, because she said it is hard to concentrate on the signing.

I don't pay attention what interpreter wore in the past, as I am happy as it is.

We are lucky to have two different interpreter agents (or maybe more I am not aware of), Government and Doctors foot the bills here in Australia.

Margie · 03-06-2005, 11:42 AM

Hi Cheri,
Has long as the interpreter doesn't dress weird thats fine.
I'm an interpreter myself.
They should dress nice, in nice comfortable chothes, and not alot of jewerly, like danging earrings, or bangle braclets.
A deaf student I got a interpreter fired at GWC cause she was always playing with her long hair or her jewerly.
The other deaf students told me also.
Margie
Dir. of Communcation Services
OCDAC

Reba · 03-19-2005, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margie

...A deaf student I got a interpreter fired at GWC cause she was always playing with her long hair or her jewerly.
The other deaf students told me also.

That seems rather harsh. Couldn't someone counsel the terp to change her behavior rather than firing her?

Reba · 03-24-2005, 01:14 PM

This is my terp wardrobe for this semester. It includes safety goggles, mask, and purple "scrub" smock. At least I don't have to wear the mask all the time.

Banjo · 03-24-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

This is my terp wardrobe for this semester. It includes safety goggles, mask, and purple "scrub" smock. At least I don't have to wear the mask all the time.

You seem to always find a way to hide your face in your pictures!

03-06-2005, 11:42 AM	#48 (permalink)
Margie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 207	I agree with you Cheri. Hi Cheri, Has long as the interpreter doesn't dress weird thats fine. I'm an interpreter myself. They should dress nice, in nice comfortable chothes, and not alot of jewerly, like danging earrings, or bangle braclets. A deaf student I got a interpreter fired at GWC cause she was always playing with her long hair or her jewerly. The other deaf students told me also. Margie Dir. of Communcation Services OCDAC

01-17-2005, 10:59 AM	#31 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 15,969	I thought this article was interesting. It focuses on low-vision Deaf but many of the principles still apply. Here is an excerpt: Dressed to Distress? By Tara Potterveld, MA, IC/TC, CI and CT, California, and Marylouise Lambert, BA, OTC, California Copyright VIEWS, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Reprinted with permission. "I am a Deaf person who has Usher's Syndrome. I went to a low vision clinic at a prominent research university to have my eyes checked. A fair skinned interpreter showed up wearing a shirt that was pink on one side and yellow on the other. Needless to say, I could not see the interpreter's hands against this minimally contrasting background. By the time my driver ran to the car to get a black jacket for the interpreter to wear, we were twenty minutes late starting the appointment." ... as interpreters, we should make it easy for Deaf people to read our signs... "...if your skin is very dark, you'll want a top that offers as much contrast as possible and at the same time reflects as little light as possible. A soft cotton top that is medium to light gray color is generally a good choice. A `not too bright' yellow is good ... If you have very light colored skin, tops that are black or navy blue are absolutely the best choice for people with retinitis pigmentosa ... People with optic atrophy, rubella, or cataracts often prefer a brighter color such as aqua blue, emerald green, or even dark pink." (p. 113) Smith also notes that the clothing fabric should be non-reflective, soft rather than shiny, and that "touchy-feely clothes that are tactually beautiful are always nice." (p. 109) When interpreting for consumers regularly, it is helpful to ask what clothing colors they prefer the interpreter to wear. ...keep your fingernails short and smooth. "I prefer the interpreters not to use fingernail polish as even clear polish reflects light." "Because of reflected glint and glare, which is distracting, I appreciate when interpreters remove body piercings and other jewelry when working with me. Unfortunately, even shirt buttons in strong light can flash bits of light to my brain, making it hard to concentrate on the signing." We are proud to be in a profession where our colleagues put so much effort into developing and enhancing their skills. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all interpreters. Those fine skills are of little use, however, when an interpreter arrives at an assignment wearing clothing, jewelry, or nail polish that make it impossible for the Deaf person to take full advantage of the interpretation. The responsibility for ensuring that a consumer's interpreting needs are appropriately served belongs to the agency, the interpreter, and the consumer. If each of these participants assumes responsibility for making the interpreting environment the very best possible for the consumer, these special accommodations are more likely to be discussed and implemented and true professional service rendered. For more, read: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehea...01/dressed.htm

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01-18-2005, 01:54 PM	#33 (permalink)
Interpretrator Crime fighter Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,413	When I hear stories about interpreters showing up dressed inappropriately (pink and yellow shirts??), wearing tongue studs, etc., I have to assume they have not gone through an interpreter training program (ITP). Now I DON'T mean to stereotype people who haven't gone through an ITP as unprofessional. I know many excellent, professional interpreters who did not have professional training. But in ITPs it is usually drilled into students what to wear and how to appear. We are made very aware of this and also why it is important. Someone here said that it seems these days interpreters are dressing worse. I disagree. More people are going through ITPs these days. I think these interpreters you have encountered probably learned sign and Deaf culture through associating with d/Deaf people, either in their families or out in the community -- and in neither of those places do people always wear "appropriate" clothing! Many people, including many interpreters, don't know the difference between signing and interpreting, and that what is fine to wear at a deaf event just won't work as well when you are interpreting. I would suggest speaking either to the interpreter or her supervisor if you have a problem with what she's wearing. If it's bothering you, it's probably bothering other clients as well! Any professional interpreter should be accepting of ways to improve her service. I know if I were unintentionally doing something to distract my clients, I'd want to know about it immediately! (But then I once had someone complain that I only wore black tops. Sometimes you just can't win!)

01-18-2005, 02:21 PM	#34 (permalink)
oakbluffs Low-functioning Deafie Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oak Bluffs, MA Posts: 184	I've heard of a female 'terp wearing a tank top and her armpits were never shaved.

01-23-2005, 05:03 PM	#44 (permalink)
Deaf258 Guest Posts: n/a	Reba is right, I would want an interpreter present at the doctor's appointment. I have had a hard time going to the eye doctor because he is my mom's cousin and he talks too fast. I didn't want to "hurt his feelings" if I asked for an interpreter. I'd prefer an interpreter to be present so the doctor appointment would go smoother with less embarrassing moments of not understanding what the doctor is asking me about. It is important doctors can ask their Deaf clients questions and get answers to correctly diagnose illnesses or symptoms, that is where the interpreter comes in.

01-23-2005, 05:13 PM	#45 (permalink)
Fly Free Just me Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wherever i want to be LOL Posts: 9,100	going to the eye doc is the ONLY time ill drag mom with me to terp cuz its really very simple and she also knows of my phobia to the glaucoma pressure tests any other docs i go on my own with a terp provided or not depending on WHAT the appt is for

01-24-2005, 01:17 PM	#46 (permalink)
rjr2006 RJR2K6 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Soon moving to Rochy Posts: 1,821	I have a regular school interpreter and she is always happy. She dresses very well (not too professional or distributed) and I am glad that she is my interpreter because she has a good heart.

03-05-2005, 06:34 PM	#47 (permalink)
Opal ~~~~~ Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,753 Blog Entries: 1	Recently we had Deaflympic in Melbourne, and they hired Interpreters for Auslan, International sign language, ASL, BSL, etc, all of them wore same black t-shirt and black pants/skirt. It is easy for us to find them at the Deaflympic. Few months ago, an interpreter came to my daughter's school, on her arrival, she take her gold bracket off in front of me and put in her handbag, because she said it is hard to concentrate on the signing. I don't pay attention what interpreter wore in the past, as I am happy as it is. We are lucky to have two different interpreter agents (or maybe more I am not aware of), Government and Doctors foot the bills here in Australia.