General Deaf Audience

[posts from hell]

If you were using an interpreter that you found out later on that was not certified to handle very personal data. Such as SSN, CC #'s, etc...

How do you feel?

 

[Tousi]

If you were using an interpreter that you found out later on that was not certified to handle very personal data. Such as SSN, CC #'s, etc...

How do you feel?

I rarely use interpreters but I'm thinking..shouldn't the client be getting his/her interpreter from a trusted agency? Has this happened to you or someone you know? Maybe its because I live in CA where it is more likely that ethics will be in place and/or upheld.

If what the example you proffered happened to me, I guess I would take the necessary steps to see to it that this wouldn't happen again. Beyond that, I'm not sure.....suing the individual terp or agency? I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Good question, tho.....what would you do/feel?

 

[Mrs Bucket]

If I learned that the interpreter I had thought was certified wasn't, I would be PO'ed naturally.

I'm very lucky to be living in a place where interpreters are bound by the CoE as well as the community's strict standards of interpreting.

 

[Jiro]

well I hope he/she doesn't remember my personal info

 

[Lighthouse77]

Well, when I put my SSN on my form for doctor offices, I don't feel the workers in doctor offices are certified to handle it either.

Personally, I rather write it down. But if it is over the phone, I have no choice.

 

[DGirl101]

If you were using an interpreter that you found out later on that was not certified to handle very personal data. Such as SSN, CC #'s, etc...

How do you feel?

Would feel violated.....

 

[rockdrummer]

If you were using an interpreter that you found out later on that was not certified to handle very personal data. Such as SSN, CC #'s, etc...

How do you feel?

I would ask why an interpreter or service would require your ssn or CC numbers? I can understand credit card if that is what you are using to pay them with but why would they require your ssn?

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

I would ask why an interpreter or service would require your ssn or CC numbers? I can understand credit card if that is what you are using to pay them with but why would they require your ssn?

Never gave your CC# or SSN over the phone before?

 

[rockdrummer]

Never gave your CC# or SSN over the phone before?

CC yes but never SSN. But even when I give my cc number it to non certified people for purchases and what not.

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

When I did finances with my university, they required me to give them my SSN.

 

[Jiro]

I would ask why an interpreter or service would require your ssn or CC numbers? I can understand credit card if that is what you are using to pay them with but why would they require your ssn?

because the interpreter speaks for deafie when communicating with other party such as doctor or bank

 

[rockdrummer]

because the interpreter speaks for deafie when communicating with other party such as doctor or bank

makes sense. But do you think they remember all of the details? I guess it's a matter of trust. Even someone that is certified can be crooked.

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

makes sense. But do you think they remember all of the details? I guess it's a matter of trust. Even someone that is certified can be crooked.

I wouldn't be surprised. My student advisor remembered my SSN from memory two years after she was helping me with scholarships and such. Was an "oh shit" moment for me because I didn't expect people to remember details like that.

 

[Jiro]

makes sense. But do you think they remember all of the details? I guess it's a matter of trust. Even someone that is certified can be crooked.

exactly but knowing that the terp is certified for this kind of stuff brings a peace of mind.... just like you would use any certified doctor/lawyer/CPA/etc. over un-certified professional.

however - when you're certified, you will be monitored and recorded. any complaints filed against a certified person is recorded. A reputable agency or business would most likely not hire anybody with shaky record.

but then - use your judgment and do your h/w first

 

[KristinaB]

One can never be 100% certain that your information is kept confidential, but one would hope you could trust a business that people rely on to help them with daily living, eg: relay operators. If I felt that I couldn't trust them, then I would be "screwed" and have to go back to having my mother handle my calls and with her going theough dementia, that's not feasible and I don't want to have my daughter take on the role. Guess I will be trusting and hope for the best.

 

[Reba]

Just to clarify:

1. All interpreters, whether certified or not, are supposed to keep interpreting assignment information confidential.

2. Certification is not a guarantee that the parties involved will not use information they are exposed to in an unethical manner. This includes anyone who has access to SSN's, credit cards, medical records, financial statements, etc. How many store clerks and restaurant servers handle your charge card? How many receptionists have access to your financial and medical files? How many government bureaucrats have access to your SSN?

3. In most interpreting situations, it's information in the ears, thru the brain, and out the hands, without "remembering" the details.

4. Whether or not certified, if any interpreter is discovered to unlawfully or unethically use information acquired from an interpreting assignment, it must be reported and acted upon. I can't imagine any interpreter being caught doing such things that would be able to continue in the profession.

5. Certification is a wonderful tool for recognizing which interpreters meet specific requirements. However, no one should become too trusting or dependent on that certification by itself. Certification is not the same as a background check or guarantee of integrity.

6. Certified terps aren't necessarily "monitored", especially private practice (freelance) terps. Who would do the monitoring?

 

[Jiro]

6. Certified terps aren't necessarily "monitored", especially private practice (freelance) terps. Who would do the monitoring?

the one who issues certification. not monitored but recorded.

 

[DeafDoc1]

Just to clarify:

1. All interpreters, whether certified or not, are supposed to keep interpreting assignment information confidential.

2. Certification is not a guarantee that the parties involved will not use information they are exposed to in an unethical manner. This includes anyone who has access to SSN's, credit cards, medical records, financial statements, etc. How many store clerks and restaurant servers handle your charge card? How many receptionists have access to your financial and medical files? How many government bureaucrats have access to your SSN?

3. In most interpreting situations, it's information in the ears, thru the brain, and out the hands, without "remembering" the details.

4. Whether or not certified, if any interpreter is discovered to unlawfully or unethically use information acquired from an interpreting assignment, it must be reported and acted upon. I can't imagine any interpreter being caught doing such things that would be able to continue in the profession.

5. Certification is a wonderful tool for recognizing which interpreters meet specific requirements. However, no one should become too trusting or dependent on that certification by itself. Certification is not the same as a background check or guarantee of integrity.

6. Certified terps aren't necessarily "monitored", especially private practice (freelance) terps. Who would do the monitoring?

Remember too that certification means a person has been tested to meet certain minimum standards. I'm sure we've all worked with wonderful terps who are not (yet) certified, and others who make us wonder how they ever passed the test...!

 

[Lighthouse77]

I would ask why an interpreter or service would require your ssn or CC numbers? I can understand credit card if that is what you are using to pay them with but why would they require your ssn?

They often ask for your cc # when dealing with your account. I remember using my SSN before, but can't remember why. But anyway, I did have a choice of using my SSN or they can design a number for me on my license, so that when someone need to confirm my personal check, they can use whatever number I have on my driver licence.

 

[Jiro]

Remember too that certification means a person has been tested to meet certain minimum standards. I'm sure we've all worked with wonderful terps who are not (yet) certified, and others who make us wonder how they ever passed the test...!

that's why you can look for a certain certification that would satisfy you. The one that holds the higher standard than other.

it's like Zagat-rated vs. Michelin-rated