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Frequently Asked Questions about Interpreter Services
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Who must provide an interpreter? The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed by President George Bush in 1990, mandates that state and local governments and public accommodations must provide access and equal treatment to people with disabilities. For persons who are deaf and hard of hearing, they must provide "auxiliary aids and services" which may include qualified interpreters, to ensure effective communication. Who is a qualified interpreter? A qualified interpreter is defined as "an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary." Family members acting as interpreters do not generally satisfy the obligation to provide effective communication.
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Who chooses the auxiliary aid or service?
Primary consideration must be given to the expressed choice of the individual. Written notes may be effective for hard of hearing people who use English to communicate, but sign language interpreters may be needed for individuals who use American Sign Language. The auxiliary aid or service must result in effective communication.
How do I work with an interpreter?
- Direct your remarks or questions to the Deaf person, and not to the interpreter.
- The interpreter is a communication facilitator and has no ownership in the business being conducted.
- The interpreter is not an advocate for either party.
- The interpreter will not answer questions or give opinions about either party or about the situation.
- The interpreter will not engage in personal conversations with either party during the course of the assignment.
- Everything spoken in the presence of the interpreter will be interpreted into the client's preferred form of communication.
- Everything signed in the interpreter's presence will be interpreted into spoken language.
What are the Interpreter Standards of Ethical Behavior?
- Interpreter shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential.
- Interpreter shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve.
- Interpreter shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions.
- Interpreter shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skills, setting and the consumer involved.
- Interpreter shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner.
- Interpreter shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.
- Interpreter shall strive to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the standards of ethical behavior.
- Interpreter shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues, and reading of current literature in the field.
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services • Board for Evaluation of Interpreters
For More Information About Interpreting,
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Interpreting Services
American Sign Language • Mexican Sign Language
V.A.I.L. supports the interpreting profession through . . .
Sign Language Classes
Professional Development
Community Education
Links:
National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (TSID)
Rio Grande Valley Interpreters for the Deaf (RGVID)
