|
|
|
|
When a Deaf person says, "How did they get that Interpreter?"
---Letter to Deaf Rochester Magazine---
Business XYZ wants to hire an interpreter. They call all the Interpreter Referral Services in town and ask for bids. Lowest price usually wins. Simple and economical, right?
Look at what happens next. The winning agency has quoted $35.00 per hour. Top free lance interpreters are being paid $35.00 per hour. If the agency hires the top interpreters, they will make no profit and not even cover their expenses. The only way to make a profit is to send a less qualified (i.e. cheaper) interpreter.
Who is happy? The new or less qualified interpreter is thrilled to have a place to earn money and practice his interpreting skills. The business is happy to pay the lowest price for the interpreter's services. The interpreting service is happy because they filled a job and earned some money at it too.
Who is unhappy? Possibly you, the Deaf consumer. You have had an interpreter whom you may not have understood. The hearing person may or may not have understood what you wanted to say. You may have to go back and have it all repeated because you didn't get it right the first time. Or worse, you may lose your job because you were doing what you thought you were told to do. You may get sicker because the doctor didn't understand all of what was wrong with you.
Who else is unhappy? The interpreters who have the interpreting skills needed but were never offered the job because they are "too expensive". They probably will know about it when everyone figures out that a big mistake was made.... in court or in the hospital. They will hear about all the misunderstanding that happened along the way, and it hurts to know it could have been done right the first time.
What can be done? Consumers....that's you...need to protest the first time any place tries to "buy cheap". If you don't understand the interpreter, stop the conversation. Let them know you don't understand the interpreter. If this is not possible, let the requester know that next time you need a more skilled interpreter. (See the form below) Tell them you don't want them to waste anyone's time and money, especially theirs.
Think about this. If you are struggling to understand an interpreter, but don't say anything, the hearing people think the interpreter is doing just fine. The interpreter will think so too. There are plenty of people who call themselves interpreters and have five to ten years of experience to "prove it!"
How do you complain, politely? Below is a sample statement you can hand to the person who is in charge of hiring the interpreter ( i.e. your boss, DSS case worker, or doctor).
Sample Form
Dear _______________
Thank you for providing us with an interpreter. It is important to us both that communication be clear. I wish to let you know, however, that the interpreter you hired is not able to communicate with me very well. I would like a more skilled interpreter next time. Next time, please use ___________________(interpreter's name) or ______________________ (Interpreting service) next time.
Thank you.
________________________
(Signed)
Submitted by Nancy Berlove, owner and president of Sign Language Connection, Inc.
and certified interpreter (CSC) since 1981.
|
|
