Tips for Communication With Deaf Employees through an Interpreter

Submitted By Norene Blair from the Forest Service, Listening Post, 6^th Edition, Volume 2

Smiles go out to the editors of Listening Post:  Genie Ott Mendiola at gmendiola@fs.fed.us and Mike S. McConnell at msmcconnell@fs.fed.us who are making the Listening Post an enjoyable and informative newsletter for deaf and hard of hearing Forest Service employees and others who are interested in learning and understanding about deafness and people with hearing losses.

Speak directly to the deaf person, not the interpreter, when using an interpreter to communicate with a deaf person. The interpreter is not part of the conversation and is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter into the conversation. Face the deaf person and speak to them in a normal manner.

Remember that the interpreter is a few words behind the speaker. Give the interpreter time to finish so that the deaf person can ask questions or join in the discussion.

Treat the interpreter as a professional. It is courteous to introduce the interpreter to the group and explain why he/she is attending. Be attentive to the interpreter's needs, such as a glass of water and a straight back or armless chair. If the interpreting situation involves lunch or other meals, the interpreters should be given the same privileges as the other group member. It also is helpful to meet with the interpreter about 15 minuets before the meeting to explain what will be covered.

If a meeting will last more than two hours, it is preferable to have two interpreters.  It is difficult to interpret for more than an hour and a half. If the meeting, class, or lectures will take longer, two interpreters should act on a rotating basis.

Schedule breaks during the meeting. Following a manual or oral interpreter for a long time is tiring for the deaf person. It is also tiring for the interpreter. Therefore, a break after about an hour is desirable.

Provide good lighting for the interpreter. If the interpreting situation requires darkening the room to view slides, video tapes, or films, auxiliary lighting is necessary so that the deaf person can see the interpreter. If a small lamp or spotlight cannot be obtained, check to see if room lights can be dimmed but still provide enough light so that the deaf person can see the interpreter.

Permit only one person to speak at a time during group discussions. It is difficult for an interpreter to follow several people at once. Ask for a brief pause between speakers to permit the interpreter to finish before the next speaker starts.

Speak clearly and in a normal tone when using an interpreter. Do not rush though a speech. The interpreter or the deaf person may ask the speaker to slow down or repeat a word or sentence for clarification.

WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?

A qualified interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing is a professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share a common communication mode. A qualified interpreter has demonstrated proficient ethical and interpreting skills and has gained knowledge and expertise required to function in a professional capacity.

The role of an interpreter is to accurately convey all messages between individuals involved in the communication setting. Interviews, conversations, and presentations can proceed at a normal pace, transitioning fluently from one communication mode to another, with the aid of an interpreter.

HOW TO USE AND INTERPRETER

The following general guidelines may help you when working with a sign language interpreter.

1. Speak clearly and in a normal tone and at a natural pace and do not exaggerate lip movements.
2. Speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing and avoid phrases like "tell her" or "ask him."
3. Realize when the interpreter says, "I" or "me," that those are the direct words of the consumer who is Deaf or hard of hearing, and not the interpreter.
4. Do not speak privately to the working interpreter, as everything you say will be conveyed.
5. Because sign language is a visual language, a deaf person's eye contact will generally be with the interpreter, not you.
6. Situations involving continuous interpreting for two or more hours will require more than one interpreter to reduce the possibility of errors made due to fatigue. Interpreters usually rotate every fifteen to twenty minutes in the manner least likely to disrupt the process.
7. Interpreting for the person who is deaf and visually impaired or who is deaf and blind requires essentially the same skills as those used by interpreters for those who are Deaf and hard of hearing. However, the mode of communication may switch from a visual mode to a tactile mode. It is important that you are aware of the mode preferred by the consumer and that the request is made known to the interpreter.

Positioning Considerations:

• The interpreter should be positioned in a well-lit area with clear visibility by consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The interpreter should not be requested to stand in front of a window or other lighting source which would cause distracting shadows and eye fatigue.
• When using the services of an interpreter in a one-on-one situation such as a small meeting or private appointment, the interpreter should sit slightly behind and to the side of the speaker, allowing the consumers to see both the speaker and the interpreter.
• For a large group presentation, the interpreter should be positioned near the speaker. If it is a very large group, more than one interpreter may be needed to ensure visibility.
• If the presenter is deaf or hard of hearing and speaking before a large group and requires an interpreter for voicing, the interpreter should be seated facing the speaker and provide with a microphone.