Students who are deaf or hard of hearing often request interpreters from this office when they register for classes. In the unlikely event that a student arrives for the first day of class without an interpreter, the student should be referred to our office to schedule an interpreter. University departments that receive requests or anticipate needing an interpreter for public meetings or events should contact Student Disability Services. To ensure the availability of interpreters, this office encourages individuals to make requests at least two weeks in advance.
Guidelines for Working with Interpreters
Interpreters are bound by the code of ethics developed by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf which specifies that interpreters are to serve as communications intermediaries. Thus, when an interpreter is present, speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing rather than to the interpreter, and avoid using phrases such as "tell him" or "ask her." Other important guidelines include:
- Relax and talk normally noting that there may be a lag time between the spoken message and the interpretation.
- When referring to objects or written information, allow time for the translation to take place. Replace terms such as "here" and "there" with more specific terms, such as "on the second line" and "in the left corner."
- In a conference room or class environment, the deaf student and the interpreter will work out seating arrangements with the interpreter usually located near the speaker.
- Inform the interpreter in advance if there is an audiovisual element in a presentation so arrangements can be made for lighting and positioning.
- Be sensitive to sessions that extend longer than one hour. The interpreter may require a short break to maintain proficiency in interpreting.