ABOUT APRIL JACKSON-WOODARD

USE OF A DEAF INTERPRETER

About the DI

A Deaf Interpreter (DI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and has been qualified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as an interpreter.

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Specialized Training and/or Experience

In addition to excellent general communication skills and general interpreter training, the DI may also have specialized training and/or experience in use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication. The DI has an extensive knowledge and understanding of deafness, the deaf community, and/or Deaf culture which combined with excellent communication skills, can bring added expertise into both routine and uniquely difficult interpreting situations.

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Meeting Special Communication Challenges

A DI may be needed when the communication mode of a deaf consumer is so unique that interpreters who are hearing cannot adequately access it. Some such situations may involve individuals whom:

• use idiosyncratic non-standard signs or gestures such as those commonly referred to as “home signs” which are unique to a family

• use a foreign signed language

• have minimal or limited communication skills

• are deaf-blind or deaf with limited vision

• use signs particular to a given region, ethnic or age group

• have characteristics reflective of Deaf Culture not familiar to hearing interpreters.

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The DI at Work As a Team Member

Often a DI works as a team member with a qualified interpreter who is hearing. In some situations, a DI/Hearing interpreter (HI) team can communicate more effectively than a HI alone or a team of two HIs or a DI alone. In the DI/HI team situation, the DI transmits message content between a deaf consumer and a HI; the HI transmits message content between the DI and a hearing consumer. While this process resembles message relay, it is more than that. Each interpreter receives the message in one communication mode (or language), processes it linguistically and culturally, and then passes it on in the appropriate communication mode. In even more challenging situations, the DI and hearing interpreter may work together to understand a deaf individual’s message, confer with each other to arrive at their best interpretation, then convey that interpretation to the hearing party.

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For DeafBlind Individuals

When a consumer who is DeafBlind is involved, the DI may receive a speaker’s message visually, then relay it to the DeafBlind individual through the sense of touch or at close visual range. This process is not a simple relay in which the DI sees the signs and copies them for the person who is DeafBlind. The DI processes the message then transmits it in the mode most easily understood by the individual who is DeafBlind.

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Solo

The DI sometimes works as the sole interpreter in a situation. In these instances, the DI may use sign language or other communication modes that are effective with a particular deaf individual; and may use with the hearing consumer a combination of speech, speech reading, residual hearing, and written communication.

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On the Platform

The DI sometimes functions as an interpreter before an audience. This may involve the DI watching a hearing interpreter and restating the message to the audience in a different sign mode. At other times, the DI may be in front of the audience to “mirror” comments or questions from a signing member of the audience so that the rest of the audience can see them.

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Benefits of using a Deaf Interpreter are:

• optimal understanding by all parties

• efficient use of time and resources

• clarification of linguistic and/or cultural confusion and misunderstanding(s)

• arrival at a clear conclusion in the interpreting situation.

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The Association believes that when use of a DI is appropriate, the DI and a qualified interpreter who is hearing can function as a highly effective team to provide quality communication access for everyone involved.