VCI Workshop: How to Successfully Work with an Interpreter
VCI Workshop: How to Successfully Work with an Interpreter
Frequently Asked Questions
Required? Why?
| The federal law entitled the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that disabled individuals be given access to effective communication. This simply means that as a hearing person can sit an listen then respond to what is being said, a deaf/hearing impaired individual can sit and listen (through a qualified sign language interpreter) as well as respond (again, through the interpreter) to what is being said. Equal access to communication can also mean a variety of other things in various situations; but for the purposes of this webpage, the assumption is that the deaf/hearing impaired individual prefers a VCI American Sign Language interpreter as their ADA accommodation. |
The ADA defines a qualified interpreters as “an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.” VCI goes a step above and uses RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) and NAD (National Association of the Deaf) certified interpreters. A certified interpreter is one who has minimally met the standards set forth by a certifying body. This includes knowledge of the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) as well as satisfying a standard on a performance skills test. The certifying organization (RID) has a grievance procedure that allows consumers to address violations of their respective code of ethics. VCI encourages our customers to contact us immediately if they feel there has been a breach of the CPC. Confidentiality, respect, and ethics are paramount for all VCI interpreters.
Deaf or hearing impaired?
Despite the fact that the ADA law uses the terminology “hearing impaired”, deaf people would prefer to be called “deaf”. Deaf people are very proud of their language, American Sign Language, as well as their deaf culture which is prevelant within the deaf community. Hearing impaired is the term often used in government arenas because that is what the ADA uses in its description of self. However, you may find that the deaf patient/client/employee/student, etc. finds that term offensive. Out of respect for the individual, please ask them which they prefer. They will gratefully respond and appreciate your kindness for asking.
What about the term “deaf interpreter”?
ASL interpreters can be deaf (Certified Deaf Interpreter CDI) but 99% of the time they are hearing and should be referred to as a sign language interpreter or an ASL interpreter. All VCI interpreters are hearing, thus they are simply called American Sign Language interpreters.
Is Sign Language interpretation all that VCI provides?
VCI bridges the communication gap between deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing parties through professional American Sign Language interpreting. Interpreters are able to move from sign language to voiced English interpretations and then back to sign language. Currently, VCI has two interpreters on board who are tri-lingual interpreters (ASL, English, Spanish). VCI interpreting services are available in person in medical, government, legal, education, business, convention, media and personal/family settings. We can also provide note-takers for your deaf college or public school students.
What is the VCI service area?
The majority of interpreting services are provided in East Tennessee (Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge) but it isn’t a problem at all to travel to the following counties: Knox, Anderson, Blount, Loudon, Monroe, McMinn, Sevier, Hamblen, Jefferson, Scott). If your event is out of state, we have a select group of VCI interpreters that work large corporate and evangelical events across the United States.
We don’t have to “pay” for interpreters, do we?
The simple answer is no. VCI interpreters are college educated and maintain the RID national certification which requires continuing their education each year through CEU’s. What this means, is that our interpreters are professionals in their field and experts at their craft and are compensated for that reason. Volunteer interpreting services are available only to non-profit groups if negotiated with VCI in advance.
I don’t think we need an interpreter. We’ll just write notes!
If your goal is to convey accurate information in the most efficient way and for everyone in the setting to participate equally, then an interpreter should be hired. You may be surprised at how easy it is to communicate with a deaf/hearing impaired person through a VCI sign language interpreter. In fact, many of our customers wouldn’t communicate any other way. They have tossed their notebooks and pens aside knowing that when a VCI interpreter is in the house, effective communication successfully takes place and everyone is able to equally participate in the event, meeting, class, appointment, etc.
Two interpreters?
Due to the physically and mentally demanding nature of the profession, two interpreters are required for most assignments that last over 2 hours. This is in accordance with the industry standard. There are a few exceptions such as: medical appointments, some legal assignments, and some social work and mental health assignments. These exceptions are at the sole discretion of the VCI interpreter coordinator. Please ask if you have any questions about this aspect. We do not mind explaining and working with you to ensure success.