FAQ regarding interpreters

NOTE: I just copy here using plain old text just
for your convenience:


So, you have been asked to provide a sign language interpreter...

Don't fret! It really is painless but providing an interpreter
does make a world of difference.


Most likely this is a new and strange experience for you.
It's only natural to have some questions about it. Let's get started...


What is a sign language interpreter? And what is ASL?


Let's start with ASL! ASL stands for American Sign Language.
It is used throughout the United States and parts of Canada.
Interesting Fact: ASL is not the same language
as English (notice that ASL is not used in
other English Speaking countries like the United Kingdom
or Australia). ASL has very different grammatical syntax,
idiomatic expressions, verb tenses and much more.

While most people don't even give it much thought,
English is an auditory language. It is dependant upon
the way people speak and how the sounds are heard
(Click here for examples)

What is an ASL interpreter?
A professional interpreter is one that is certified by
either the state of Texas or the
national organization RID
(Registery of Interpreters for the Deaf).

A professional interpreter must follow a strict code of ethics
and facilitate communication from the Deaf consumer
to the 'hearing' client'.

Why can't a deaf person just bring their own interpreter?

There are two main reasons: Personal and Legal


Legal Reason-
There are numerous state and federal laws that may apply
to providing an interpreter. The most commonly known is
the 1990 Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
It states that public entities (like a medical office, hospital,
legal office, counseling office, and much more) are
required to provide 'effective communication' for their deaf clients.
This also pertains to companies that have deaf employees -
you must provide effective communication for staff meetings,
company functions, etc.

Another popular federal law is the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.
Which states that any entity that receives any amount of
federal funding is required to provide interpreters.

AND... if that weren't enough there are a number of
anti-discrimination laws and state laws that also apply.



Personal Reason-
If a deaf person does bring their own "interpreter"
it ends up being a family member or a friend.
Believe it or not- most of the time the family member or
friend may know very little about ASL. Maybe just enough
to get the most basic of concepts across.

Can you imagine having a medical emergency in
a foreign land where the doctor is trying to
explain your need for a life-saving procedure and
the "interpreter" they brought in only understands
a fraction of the language? Do you feel all of
your questions will be answered...worse yet,
what if you are trying to explain that
you are allergic to a very commonly used medication...
how do you get that across?

Furthermore, the friend of family member,
who is not qualified, will have to know your personal business.

Examinations by physicians can reveal some
very personal information. Is that information that
you want to share with your young child, your parents
or even your neighbors.

Especially in situations with family members,
deaf people were left out of the loop.
People never want to break the bad news and
there have been situations where the deaf person
was never told what was going on...
simply because it was to hard for the
family member to try and tell them.

This is why professional certified interpreters
have a strict code of ethics. This is why interpreters
must remain impartial in all situations.



I have an employee that knows some sign... is that ok?

It depends!
Is your employee fluent in ASL?

Have they gone through professional interpreter
training (not just taken sign classes)?

Are they a certified interpreter?

These are the important questions that you should ask.
If the answer is no to any of them we strongly suggest
that you don't use that employee.

However, the real question comes down to
'effective communication'! Does the deaf person feel
there has been effective communication? Do you?

If that employee is acceptable by all parties then
you are in good shape. But if at anytime that
communication breaks down...then there will be a problem.

However, one benefit of working with an agency like
the Goodrich Center for the Deaf is that you are covered.
Not only can you rest assured that you are getting
a certified interpreter but you are also covered for
any liability of the interpreter.

If your employee makes a mistake- that liability
falls back on you.

Getting an Interpreter is like contracting with
an electrician. Do you want an uncertified employee
trying to 'fix' your electrical system?


Can't I just add the cost of the interpreter to their bill?

Wouldn't that be sweet? But if you did that then
YOU wouldn't be providing the interpreter...they would.
And as we already know, the law requires you to
provide that reasonable accommodation.

There is some good news! Costs of interpreting services
is considered a tax write off. Make sure to keep
your receipts and give them to good ol' Uncle Sam.
(Click here for more info)


What if I didn't get an interpreter?

If the deaf client/employee could prove that
effective communication didn't happen then
you run the risk of heavy fines from the
Federal and State Government.
Furthermore, there is precedent that issues
of discrimination would come into play.

I was told I need two interpreters...what's that about?

Interpreting can be quite a challenge. Not only do
we have to listen to what the speaker is saying,
understand what they are saying, figure out how to
change that English into another language...
then we have to put it all together in a visual language.
Concentration alone can be pretty difficult...
but after about two hours the ability to concentrate
starts to dull and the 'effectiveness' of communication
starts to slip.

But more than all that...interpreting ASL for two hours
is like doing a mini-workout...while you are concentrating
on what everyone is saying.

So, for safety reasons for our interpreters
(we have to worry about workman's comp too) and
for effectiveness issues the industry requires
two interpreters if the assignment is continuous
for more than two hours.

Send email to kellyw@goodrichcenter.org
with questions or comments about this web site.
 
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