Inked Interpreters - Page 2

jillio · 04-09-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

I dont recall seeing a terp covered up in tatoos. Either they covered theirs up, didnt have any or I didnt notice.

I am a teacher and I have a tatoo on my ankle. When I first got my teaching job, I asked my supervisor about wear capri pants since it would expose my tatoo. He said as long as it is nothing vulgar, it is fine. My tatoo is a flower band around my ankle.

It is always good to ask what is the code of ethics for dressing professionally.

This is kind of off topic, but one of the women I work with (she's an LISW and works as a Social Worker/Counselor) had a mastectomy a few years back. Instead of having reconstructive surgery, she had the area on her chest (over the scars and above) covered with an elaborate tattoo of flowers and leaves. When she wears a shirt with a v-neck, a lot of the tattoo shows. Once I found out the reason for her tattoo, I thought it was a really cool thing to do. It really shows how she tried to make something good out of something bad, and turn the scars into something beautiful.

Xidena · 04-20-2008, 01:46 PM

Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings.
I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter.

will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting?

(please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

Etoile · 04-20-2008, 01:50 PM

If it's the same width as a wedding band - that is, very skinny - I would imagine it wouldn't be worse than a wedding band. I wear mine to interpret all the time.

shel90 · 04-20-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xidena

Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings.
I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter.

will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting?

(please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

It wouldnt bother me. That sounds neat!

dreamchaser · 04-20-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpheliaSpeaks

Ok, here is a "silly question". I have been considering a tattoo for quite some time now, but have really wanted it on my left wrist. ASL and my involvement in the Deaf community is a huge part of my life and if I don't become an interpreter (ie: because of my own hearing loss or whatever), I would still like to have a job where it is a primary element. Thanks.

Is it "appropriate" or "professional" for an interpreter to have "clean arms"? I am not talking about tattooing my whole arms, or even having a very big tattoo at all, but would it distract others?
Is it not customary for interpreters to wear long sleeves and keep them rolled down while working?

My first thought would be no. There is still discrimination in any job when tatoos are not coverable. The same goes for face piercing. Many jobs make you remove a tongue ring or whatever excess jewlry you wear,, on the brow or the lips, or huge nose rings. They may not tell you that is why they are rejecting your application, but they just shove the application to the bottom of the wrist. It may be unfair, but the business world tends to think that way. So if you are gonna be a freelance terp, you might get away with it, but you might also offend the older deafies. Also, a courtroom setting or hospital setting, or any real professional setting might think it is inappropriate.
Some insight would be appreciated...

So what kind of tat are you wanting? Have you already picked it out?

IF I ever get another one, at 51, I would want to get a the sign simbol for love ya, like in Shel90's signature. I think that would be way cool.

Are you doing better this week? I have been praying for you and your family... well I think it is you I have been praying for. Maybe there are multiple Ophelias at AD.

Have a good one and good luck with your tatoo. Jeanie.. still chasing the dream for a better tomorrow for ALL.

***Jolie_77*** · 04-20-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xidena

Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings.
I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter.

will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting?

(please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

IMO, I don't think it will be distracting because normally, the ring bands are usually small enough around the finger. So, with a tattooed ring band, it will be visible but not quite big enough to cause a distraction. But then, some clients/employers are not too keen about the tattoo itself.

Jasper Fair · 04-23-2008, 08:06 AM

I am a CODA Terp and it has been my experience over the years that there will be 'some' Clients that will be bothered by tats or piercings... it definitely IS visual noise and really should not be on display during the course of your professional interpreting scenarios. (Lots of people wll also tell you to your face that it does NOT bother them, but behind your back say something else...) It is best to give your client respect by limiting any visual noise that you may have by wearing appropriate attire, covering ink, and/or removing visible non-traditional piercings. After all, we are here to serve them, not to bring attention to ourselves!

HoHGuyOhio · 04-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper Fair

After all, we are here to serve them, not to bring attention to ourselves!

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.

Jasper Fair · 04-23-2008, 09:16 AM

Point well taken.... I should have been more 'clear' with my post...LOL, but you are correct we are 'mediators' between both.... I was only trying to say that we should always try our best to make their experience a good one... where they can focus on the situation, not focus on the terp, how they look, dress, etc...

Interpretrator · 04-26-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoHGuyOhio

"I'm not the one who needs an interpreter!"

Pure genius.

OpheliaSpeaks · 04-26-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoHGuyOhio

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."

Excellent.

SxyPorkie · 04-26-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xidena

Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings.
I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter.

will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting?

(please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

Inked wedding bands wont bother us...it is not too distracting.....I think it is real COOL....but on other side.. if your marriage is not working and end up divorced... it is very expensive to be removed... It is cheaper to be inked..but very expensive to be removed... you have to keep trying to get it removed with 2-5 tries...You have to think twice before making a right decision...

I have three tats.. one is on my right ankle Red Rose other is on my right side of hip small butterfly. lastly one is small heart with sign of ILY on my left "lap" thigh...
One pierced cartigae on my right top of eat and three pierced on both ear lobes...

shel90 · 04-26-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

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.

I love u for saying that to the lawyer!!!

SxyPorkie · 04-26-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

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.

Ditto... Well Said....

deafbajagal · 04-27-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

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.

"PAH!" Somebody understands!!! You're my new hero!!! (Sorry off topic but I couldn't resist here!)

deafbajagal · 04-27-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xidena

Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings.
I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter.

will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting?

(please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

It actually would be a great idea if you plan to work with terp'ing for deafblind (tactile terp'ing) - some of the deafblind folks I worked with hated for the terps to have any rings on the hands.

jillio · 04-29-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

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.

Excellent points, and very well said!

SCBassist · 04-29-2008, 09:44 PM

Think about who the tattoo is specifically intended for. It would not be in your interest to have it so far within your limbs unless you wear long clothing in case someone expresses an objection and you have no time to return home to change. In my opinion, it would be a better idea to have them closer to your torso, you can freely express it in your casual lifestyle.

Etoile · 04-29-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCBassist

Think about who the tattoo is specifically intended for. It would not be in your interest to have it so far within your limbs unless you wear long clothing in case someone expresses an objection and you have no time to return home to change. In my opinion, it would be a better idea to have them closer to your torso, you can freely express it in your casual lifestyle.

What's the problem with wearing long clothes all the time? Lots of terps have said they have tattoos and they just wear long clothes to cover it.

***VamPyroX*** · 04-29-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etoile

What's the problem with wearing long clothes all the time? Lots of terps have said they have tattoos and they just wear long clothes to cover it.

Yeah. It's like everyone else who works. They dress up for work, then change into normal clothes after work and weekends.

Interpreters can do the same thing. There's nothing different.

Reba · 04-30-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etoile

What's the problem with wearing long clothes all the time? Lots of terps have said they have tattoos and they just wear long clothes to cover it.

I don't have tats but I wear long sleeves to cover the hives on my arms, and slacks to cover the ones on my legs. I don't want anyone distracted by all my itchy red bumps.

They might be afraid that I have something "catching." (They're not.)

It gets pretty hot and humid here in the summer. One solution for me is to wear a two-piece top. The inside piece is usually a tank top, and the outter piece is a long-sleeved shirt or sweater. That way, on the job, I can be covered. When I walk out to my car, I can take off the outer layer.

***VamPyroX*** · 04-30-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I don't have tats but I wear long sleeves to cover the hives on my arms, and slacks to cover the ones on my legs. I don't want anyone distracted by all my itchy red bumps.

They might be afraid that I have something "catching." (They're not.)

It gets pretty hot and humid here in the summer. One solution for me is to wear a two-piece top. The inside piece is usually a tank top, and the outter piece is a long-sleeved shirt or sweater. That way, on the job, I can be covered. When I walk out to my car, I can take off the outer layer.

Allergic to something?

Reba · 05-01-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

Allergic to something?

Yeah, deafies.

Just kidding!

Seriously, the doctors are still running tests. Maybe auto-immune in the blood, triggered and exacerbated by stress. But it's not pollen or animals or foods.

***VamPyroX*** · 05-02-2008, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Yeah, deafies.

Just kidding!

Seriously, the doctors are still running tests. Maybe auto-immune in the blood, triggered and exacerbated by stress. But it's not pollen or animals or foods.

Ah, interesting. Sorry about that. Hope they find something.

04-20-2008, 01:50 PM	#33 (permalink)
Etoile lovin' mah epoqs Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Washington DC Posts: 650	If it's the same width as a wedding band - that is, very skinny - I would imagine it wouldn't be worse than a wedding band. I wear mine to interpret all the time. __________________ About me: interpreting since 2002 * RID certified (CI/CT) * Gallaudet undergrad student since 2007 * Formerly went to Western Maryland College * Hearing loss due to scuba diving accident 2006 * Got my first hearing aids 2008 * Love to travel * Happily married for 10 years

04-23-2008, 08:06 AM	#37 (permalink)
Jasper Fair Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6	Inked Terps I am a CODA Terp and it has been my experience over the years that there will be 'some' Clients that will be bothered by tats or piercings... it definitely IS visual noise and really should not be on display during the course of your professional interpreting scenarios. (Lots of people wll also tell you to your face that it does NOT bother them, but behind your back say something else...) It is best to give your client respect by limiting any visual noise that you may have by wearing appropriate attire, covering ink, and/or removing visible non-traditional piercings. After all, we are here to serve them, not to bring attention to ourselves!

04-29-2008, 09:44 PM	#48 (permalink)
SCBassist ...And your point is? Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 188	Think about who the tattoo is specifically intended for. It would not be in your interest to have it so far within your limbs unless you wear long clothing in case someone expresses an objection and you have no time to return home to change. In my opinion, it would be a better idea to have them closer to your torso, you can freely express it in your casual lifestyle. __________________ Complaints Division Here

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04-20-2008, 01:46 PM	#32 (permalink)
Xidena Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1	Me and my fiancé are planning on getting tattoo wedding rings. I'm also planning on becoming an interpreter. will having the ring tattoo'd on be distracting? (please don't give me your opinion on how bad of an idea getting a tattoo wedding ring is in general.)

04-23-2008, 09:16 AM	#39 (permalink)
Jasper Fair Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6	Point well taken.... I should have been more 'clear' with my post...LOL, but you are correct we are 'mediators' between both.... I was only trying to say that we should always try our best to make their experience a good one... where they can focus on the situation, not focus on the terp, how they look, dress, etc...