Many of the businesses that come to us with a need for an American Sign Language interpreter (ASL Interpreter) are new to the experience. As a part of our committment to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the Vancouver WA / Portland OR area, we have compiled a list of insights that we have learned from our expert ASL Interpreters.
- Focus your attention on the person you are communicating with – not the ASL Interpreter. We often tell our clients to think of the interpreter as “tool” and not a part of the actual conversation – more like a telephone.Address the Deaf person directly:
For example: It would be appropriate to say “Where were you born?”. It is not appropriate to address the interpreter for example and say “Ask him where he was born.”
- When possible, please share any information you can with the interpreter or the agency in advance. Interpreters may be coming into your situation with little or no knowledge about your business. Providing information about your services and/or industry will help the interpreter prepare and insure the best communications possible with the Deaf person you are communicating with. This is particularly true in industries where a lot of acronyms or industry specific words are used.
- If the environment for your request involves reduced lighting, please make accomodations so that the Deaf consumer can always see the ASL interpreter. This may require some kind of auxiliary lighting for the interpreter.The interpreter may ask for specific seating/positioning to facilitate the best viewing angles. It is usually best that the Deaf consumer can see the interpreter and the presenter in the same field of view.Sign or speak in your normal tone, at a normal pace. The interpreter will inform you if you need to pause or slow down. .Sometimes people read aloud at a faster pace than they typically sign or speak. When reading a large amount from written materials, consider providing a copy to the deaf audience members and the interpreter. Be mindful that the interpreter should interpret EVERYTHING said. Avoid discussing subjects you don’t wish the other person to know. Don’t ask the interpreter to omit anything. Don’t say something like “Don’t interpret this,” because that is exactly what will be interpreted!
- Also be aware that the interpreter is voicing for the Deaf person – although it may, at times appear that the ASL interpreter is interjecting their own words, they are not. It is their job to express what the Deaf consumer is wishing to express. This may involve foul language or speaking in a loud voice. Do not take it as personal input from the interpreter, it is their job• Don’t ask the interpreter to interject personal opinions.• If the individual with whom you are communicating is not present, avoid giving messages to the interpreter for later relay to the individual.• If you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation, just ask for clarification.• Recognize that all information discussed is kept confidential.
- Be mindful that the interpreter should interpret EVERYTHING said. Avoid discussing subjects you don’t wish the other person to know. Don’t ask the interpreter to omit anything. Don’t say something like “Don’t interpret this,” because that is exactly what will be interpreted!• Don’t ask the interpreter to interject personal opinions.• If the individual with whom you are communicating is not present, avoid giving messages to the interpreter for later relay to the individual.• If you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation, just ask for clarification.• Recognize that all information discussed is kept confidential.• Be aware that interpreting is physically and mentally fatiguing for both the interpreter and the client. Plan for breaks appropriately.