Deaf Interpreter Information
Deaf Interpreter Information
Information about scheduling and paying for interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing can be found here.
Do not assume providing a certified interpreter will solve all communication problems with a deaf person. Deaf persons vary in their communication needs. Some deaf individuals use American Sign Language (ASL), others use a form of Signed English, and others use Pidgin Signed English (PSE). Certified interpreters for the deaf also vary in their skills. See Intermediary Interpreters for Person with Communication Disabilities.
Give the interpreter adequate time, prior to legal communication, to evaluate the deaf person's communication needs and to assure a match with the interpreter's skills. If the court proceeding is going to be longer than two hours, give the interpreter a break at two-hour intervals or have two interpreters available and switch off. Interpreting can become very tiring. Keeping the same interpreter from the beginning to the end of a legal procedure can also assist in more fluid communication.
Information about scheduling and paying for interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing can be found here.
Do not assume providing a certified interpreter will solve all communication problems with a deaf person. Deaf persons vary in their communication needs. Some deaf individuals use American Sign Language (ASL), others use a form of Signed English, and others use Pidgin Signed English (PSE). Certified interpreters for the deaf also vary in their skills. See Intermediary Interpreters for Person with Communication Disabilities.
- Interpreters must be carefully selected so their skills match the needs of the person for whom they are interpreting. However, the person for whom the sign language interpreter is interpreting is the only person qualified to judge whether the interpreter is adequate. When working with an interpreter, speak to the deaf person, not to the interpreter. Speak naturally and not too fast. ASL is a highly developed language that combines facial grammar and body shifting and is the primary language of the American deaf community.
- Sign language, like the spoken language, has its own grammar, idioms, and syntax. Signing is not a literal word-for-word translation, but is an interpretation of ideas and concepts. When interpreting legal proceedings, the interpreter faces the challenge of explaining a concept that does not exist in ASL. The interpreter uses signs and concepts to build an understanding of the legal terms. Special skills are needed for legal interpretation therefore, level 4 (Advanced) and level 5 (Comprehensive) interpreters are appropriate for legal settings. (See section titled "Skill Levels for Interpreters in the Legal Setting.") Using family members or staff with basic sign language vocabulary is inappropriate, as they are not qualified to interpret in legal situations.
Give the interpreter adequate time, prior to legal communication, to evaluate the deaf person's communication needs and to assure a match with the interpreter's skills. If the court proceeding is going to be longer than two hours, give the interpreter a break at two-hour intervals or have two interpreters available and switch off. Interpreting can become very tiring. Keeping the same interpreter from the beginning to the end of a legal procedure can also assist in more fluid communication.