 |
|
Mayor's Office on Disability
When should I get an interpreter?
Sign Language Interpreters facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. State and Federal law requires the City and County of San Francisco to provide effective communication with persons with disabilities. An interpreter would be required whenever a deaf individual requests for one and you will be communicating with him or her about detailed, lengthy, or complex information. This will include any interactions that are not simple, such as meetings, appointments, and visits where passing a few notes back and forth would not be sufficient, or in cases where English is not the deaf individual's primary language.
What is the role of the interpreter?
An interpreter's role is strictly that of a communication "tool." Interpreters sign everything that is said and say everything that is signed. Per the Code of Ethics for interpreters, the interpreter is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter the conversation, and is obligated to respect confidentiality.
Where do I go to get an interpreter?
There are several resources available for getting interpreters. (See list at the end of this document).
What information do I need to give to the interpreter service?
- Date, time, location and expected length of the assignment.
- Type of situation (public tour, health services, legal proceedings, highly technical language, etc.).
- Names of interpreters with whom the Deaf individual prefers to work (Many Deaf individuals prefer to work with specific interpreters, based on their different skills and individual communication needs).
- Particular communication needs the Deaf individual has noted, [American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), or Signed Exact English. Others may prefer an oral interpreter. Simply ask the Deaf individual.] The interpreter service provider will seek to match the skills of the interpreter with the requirements of the situation.
When do I need to get two interpreters?
If a meeting will last more than an hour and a half, 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 lecture will take longer, two interpreters should act on a rotating basis.
How much will it cost to have an interpreter?
Fees can vary depending upon the type of interpreting required (office meeting, legal proceedings, or medical appointment). Fees should be agreed upon by the interpreter or referral service before the service is performed, and should not be discussed with the Deaf person.
How do I alert customers and clients that interpreter services are available?
If you have arranged to have sign language interpreters at a public meeting, or a hearing, or other public event, you can display the following symbol on your meeting notice or event flyer:
.gif "Handsigning")
[Positive and negative tiff files of this and other disability acces symbols are available for copying or downloading via a link on MOD's website: http://www.sfgov.org/sfmod, or directly at http://www.gag.org/resources/das.php]
Because it can take some time to make arrangements for interpreter services, you will need to know ahead of time if interpreters are needed. Public notices should include a statement such as "Sign language interpreters and other accommodations are available upon request. Providing 3 days notice will help to ensure availability." Information about who to contact should also be included in the statement, including a voice and TTY phone number and email address.
Working with an interpreter: some tips
Before the meeting starts, it is helpful to meet with the interpreter to explain what will be covered. Provide the interpreter with copies of the agenda and/or other print materials for review and to follow as the meeting progresses. It is also helpful for the interpreter to be provided the names of group members in advance of the meeting. Be attentive to the interpreter's needs, such as a glass of water, a straight back chair, etc.
Provide a location for the interpreter so that the deaf person has a line of sight to view both the speaker and the interpreter simultaneously.
When setting up at the beginning of the meeting, the interpreter and Deaf individual will work with you to figure out the best positioning for each of you to ensure effective and comfortable communication. Do not position the interpreter in front of a light source.
Speak directly to the Deaf person, not the interpreter, when using the interpreter to communicate with a Deaf person. For example, say "Do you have anything you would like to add?" rather than "Does he/she have anything to add?"
Speak clearly, in a normal tone, and at a normal pace. If there is a problem with keeping up, the interpreter or the Deaf person may ask the speaker to slow down or repeat a word or sentence for clarification.
Direct eye contact. While direct eye contact is valued particularly in one-to-one meetings, direct eye contact on the part of the Deaf individual is not always possible, as the Deaf individual will need to watch as the interpreter signs.
In public meetings where there is an interpreter, remind speakers at the start of the meeting (and at various time in the meeting) to speak slowly and clearly.
Remember that the interpreter is a few words behind the speaker. Therefore allow time for the Deaf person to obtain all the information and ask questions.
At meetings or public presentations where there are audio-visual presentations, allow the deaf person time to both follow along with the speech, as well as to look at what is being displayed visually. If possible, provide "advance copies" of the Powerpoint or other visual presentation to the deaf group members prior to the presentation.
Permit only one person to speak at a time during group discussions. It is difficult for an interpreter to follow several people speaking at once. Ask for a brief pause between speakers to permit the interpreter to finish before the next speaker starts. It can be helpful to ask people to raise their hands and wait to speak after they've been recognized.
Schedule breaks during the meeting. Following a sign language or oral interpreter for a long time is tiring for a Deaf person and for the interpreter. Talk with the interpreter about when to take periodic, brief breaks.
Provide good lighting for the interpreter. If the interpreting situation requires darkening the room to view slides, videotapes, 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 to see the interpreter.
If it is a lecture or large group setting, solid color backgrounds are helpful for platform interpreting and sufficient lighting is always important.
As a final courtesy, thank the interpreter after the service has been performed. If there have been any problems or misunderstandings, let the interpreter or referral service know. Also, ask the Deaf person if the service was satisfactory. It is a polite gesture to inform the referral service of your satisfaction with the interpreter.
One last note...
American Sign Language (ASL) is a language in its own rights, with its own grammar, syntax and structure, which includes using body and facial expression. It is important to realize that you are dealing with two different languages and that it may be necessary to rephrase or repeat your point. Examples are helpful to use for clarification.
ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter services
Bay Area Communication Access (BACA)
443 Tehama Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-356-0405 (Voice)
415-356-0376 (TTY)
415-356-0495 (Fax)
bacareq@aol.com
Communiqué Services
856 Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, CA 94504
707-546-6869 (Voice)
707-546-6869 (TTY)
707-546-1770 (Fax)
www.cqterps.com
Deaf Services of Palo Alto
P.O. Box 60651
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-856-9262 (Voice)
650-856-1114 (Fax)
interpreters@dspa.org
800-900-9477 (Fax)
Hands On Services
595 Menlo Drive
Rocklin, CA 95765
800-900-9478 (Voice)
800-900-9479 (TTY)
800-900-9477 (Fax)
www.handsonsvc.com
Hired Hands Interpreter Referral Service
P.O. Box 15024
Fremont, CA 94539
510-739-6228 (Voice and TTY)
510-739-1993 (Fax)
handshired@aol.com
Interpreting and Consulting Services
836 B Southampton Road #353
Benecia, CA 94510
707-747-8200 (Voice)
707-747-8205 (TTY)
707-747-8205 (Fax)
800.644-0068 (Pager)
sign4life@aol.com
Northern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (norCRID)
www.norcrid.org
robinmills@aol.com
Partners In Communication LLC
2370 Market St. #277
San Francisco, CA 94114
800-975-8150
415-992-7239 In San Francisco
www.PartnersinCommunicationllc.com
Rob@Partnersincommunicationllc.com
Give them your name, organization, date/time/location of the assignment, deaf individual's preferred signing system (i.e., ASL, PSE, or SEE) or communication method (i.e., oral), and it is helpful to describe the meeting and/or event. For example, if the assignment is for a medical appointment, a group meeting, or a training session. They will call you back and let you know if they have interpreters available for the assignment.
For additional information, see the MOD Programmatic Access Bulletin: "Tips For Communicating With People Who Are Deaf & Hard of Hearing," or contact:
Mayor's Office on Disability
401 Van Ness, Room 300
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.554.6789 voice
415.554.6799 TTY
415.554.6159 fax
MOD@sfgov.org
Based on original document courtesy King County (Washington) Office of Civil Rights
|
|
|