Please read all the topics below. If you find anything need to be correction or change in the statement or additional statement, please contact with Sherry Mitchell at 307-332-3927 V/TTY or send E-mail or Lori Cielinski at 307-577-0539 V/TTY, 800-452-1408 V/TTY or send E-mail.

Accommodating for Individuals with Hearing Loss

Who is / is not a qualified interpreter

Requesting, Securing and Using Qualified Interpreter Services

Preparing for the Interpreted Meeting 

Individuals with hearing loss are as diverse as any other segment of our population. There are representative of a wide variety of educational and intellectual levels, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. The only thing they are share in common is the inability to hear well.

Those born deaf usually refer to themselves as "Deaf", never deaf-mute. The majority of these individuals prefer to use sign language and most often do not choose to speak orally for themselves. English is acquired as a second language for these individuals, therefore, some are fluent in written English, but many are not. They tend to use note writing only for very specific, very brief communication. Because only 30% of English is visible on the lips, it also incorrect to assume that all Deaf people can lip read well. In view of these facts, these individuals will often request in the services of a sign language interpreter to help facilitate efficient and accurate communication. Because different Deaf people prefer different modes of sign communication, it is best to secure a professional interpreter able to adapt to these different modes.

A minority of individuals born deaf do not choose to communicate with sign language. Some may prefer lip reading and speaking for themselves. Other may prefer to use a professional oral interpreter, who is especially easy to lip read and trained to relax and restate information in the manner most efficient for lip reading. Some may choose written English proficiency. Seek advice from the individual as the preferred communication mode.

Hard of hearing individuals are people who have retained some use of their hearing. Some choose to communicate with sign language, some do not. Some were born with a hearing loss with others acquired it later in life. They can clarify which communication made (interpreter, written language, spoken language is most beneficial for them. They often speak orally for themselves.

For individuals who have become deaf later in life, neither a sign language interpreter nor an oral interpreter may benefit communication. These individuals usually speak orally for themselves and can explain the communication strategies which are most helpful for them. In light of these factors, below awesome suggestions are acquiring and using an interpreter.

Initially it is often helpful for an agency to understand who is not qualified interpreter:

* Family members, including hearing children

* Friends

* Co-Workers

* other hearing people who have learned "some" sign or fingerspelling, informally, (signers)

Some of these individuals may be "signers" to one degree or another, but they are not qualified, professional interprets, utilizing such individuals does not insure confidentiality, impartiality, or accuracy. This can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. Use of an "unqualified" interpreter may lead to undesirable legal medical or educational consequences.

* A signer is a person acquiring or who has acquired skills in sign sufficient to enable her/him to communicate with deaf persons. He/she has had no training on understanding and appreciation of the role as an interpreter.

"An interpreter" is one who has been trained through a recognized interpreter training program and/or is certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (R.I.D.) The task is not a simple one. It takes years of learning, and understanding of, not only the language, but also, the culture and situations one may find one self in, as well as, a professional judgment regarding their own and the client's signing competency.

This individual is a professional, fluent in sign language and knowledgeable in American Sign Language (ASL), and the different sign systems or modes of communication used by Deaf/hard of hearing people and the interpreting process itself. Many of these interpreters are college trained many are registered with or certified by national or state professional bodies such as the Wyoming Registry of Interpreters. As such, they adhere to a professional code of Ethics assuring confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy to the best of their ability in both the intent and content of the message.

In layman's terms, a qualified interpreter, at normal conversational rates, can accurately voice what a Deaf/hard of hearing person is signing, an correctly sign for the Deaf/hard of hearing person what a hearing person is saying. They are able to make adjustments for language levels and for cultural differences between hearing and deaf people.

Some Deaf/hard of hearing do not use sign language. They may prefer the services of another professional known as an oral interpreter. In this instance, the Deaf person "reads the lips" of this interpreter who is specially trained to relay and relay information in the easiest manner for lip reading, adding only natural gestures and facial expressions, not signs, to enhance effective communication.

In either case, your agency and your Deaf client is best served by obtaining the services of a qualified professional.

Always arrange for Interpreting Services as much in advance as possible. It is difficult to secure qualified services at the last minute.

Be prepared to provide the following information when requesting an interpreter.

Name of the agency making request: ___________________________________

Agency Contact Person:_________________________________

Agency Phone Number:_________________________________

Name of the Deaf Client:________________________________

Language Preference of the Client: ASL

Signed English

Cued Speech

Oral Interpreting

 

Purpose of Meeting: Medical, Wedding, Counseling, Court Room, etc.

Physical Setting: Formal/Informal, Platform, Size of group, etc.

Date of Interpreting Service:_____________________________

Time/Duration of Assignment:___________________________

• Allow extra time for a meeting, when using an interpreter.
• The interpreting process takes more time than direct spoken English.
• If the anticipated length of interpreting exceeds two hours, you should arrange for the services of two interpreters, working in team format, as the physical and mental demands of interpreting are exhausting over extended periods of time.
• Notify the interpreter of your intent to have one or two interpreters working, if the client is aware that the interpreter(s) will be present, who requested the services, and if the client specified a particular interpreter.

The Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offers an annual update list of qualified interpreters. The list identifies pay rates, according to a standardized qualifications procedure.

• If the interpreter is not listed as Level ___ or above on the DVR list of Wyoming Registered Interpreter List:
• Before discussing billing with the potential interpreter, ask them if they are qualified to interpret for this client, in this setting.
• It is always advisable to discuss with the interpreter a reasonable cancellation policy. By scheduling an interpreter in advance, you are reserving that time. Many interpreters will bill for interpreting not canceled 24 hours in advance, since they are unable at that late time to reschedule themselves for an alternative interpreting assignment.
• Generally, interpreter expect to be paid if they are present but a client does not show up as scheduled for a meeting.

Billing information to be processed within thirty days of completed assignment.

Hourly Rate:_____ times number of hours _____ = _____

Travel Expenses: ____ cents per mile times number of mileage travel = _____

*Motel Rate ___ times number of night: _____ = _____

*Meals:_____

*For long, out of their home town, assignments such as a court trail, legislative hearing etc.

• Any question regarding the interpreting process or clarification of the interpreters role and function, should be asked of the interpreter, prior to the assignment.
• Provide the interpreter with any written or media materials which will be used in the meeting, prior to the time of the meeting. Clarify any terminology specific to the situation.
• You may expect the interpreter will want to meet with you a few minutes prior to the beginning of the interpreting session.
  • Let the interpreter advise as to the most beneficial seating arrangements, lighting accommodations, etc.
  • The interpreter may also want an opportunity to chat briefly with the Deaf/hard of hearing Individual informally, to as certain that individuals most comfortable communication needs.
• The interpreter is a professional and should be treated as such. It is courteous to introduce the interpreter to the group and explain why he/she is attending the meeting.
  • Be attentive to the interpreter's needs, such as a glass of water, a comfortable chair, the need for a short break after about hour or an hour of interpreting. (This break helps the Deaf Client keep focus better, as well.)
  • Observe "turn taking". The interpreter can only interpret what one speaker is saying, at one time.
  • The interpreter may, from time to time, need to stop a speaker and ask for clarification.

The Deaf Client will appreciate your understanding of his/her communication needs when you adhere to the following practices, during conversation:

 

Maintain eye contact with the deaf or hard of hearing person. This helps person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is only there to facilitate communication and, as such, is not a participant.

 

Speak directly to the deaf person as if the interpreter were not present. For example: "Your appointment is scheduled for next Tuesday.", rather than, "Tell him/her that his/her appointments is scheduled for next Tuesday."

 

Ask the deaf person, not the interpreter, if the deaf person understands.

 

Speak naturally and not too fast. Names and some other words must be fingerspelled. this requires more times than signing.

 

Allow the interpreter to finish signing a questions before expecting a Deaf/Hard of hearing Individual to be able to participate with a response.

 

Private conversation should not occur with the interpreter or with anyone else in the presence of the deaf person. Ethically, the interpreter must interpret everything that is said.

 

IF the communication process breaks down, address the situation with the deaf/hard of hearing client first. If that does not resolve the difficulty, both the deaf person and the hearing person can agree, mutually, to consult with the interpreter for guidance with the communication difficulty.

 

Following these simple guidelines should make the interpreting experience successful and beneficial for all participants.