Interpreters provide language access by translating between spoken languages and sign languages like American Sign Language. They allow deaf and hard of hearing individuals equal participation and access to information in educational, legal, medical, and work settings. Anyone may require interpreting services, so planning ahead is important to request an interpreter from an agency in a timely manner. When using an interpreter, it is important to communicate directly with the deaf individual and respect the interpreter's role in maintaining full and accurate interpretation.

1. Basic interpreting services information Jesse Thomas Outreach & Technology Specialist Deaf Hearing Communication Centre

2. Table of Contents What are interpreters? Why do we need interpreters? Who uses interpreters? Remember... Chat & Questions

3. What are interpreters? Communication Language to Language ASL to English English to ASL Certified Interpreters (CI) Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) Professional (Code of Professional Conduct - CPC) Human or Ghost? RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf)

4. Why do we need interpreters? Information Access Participation Communication

5. Who uses interpreters? Everyone uses interpreters! Interpreters are good for everybody! “ I need an interpreter.” “ I need interpreters” “ WE need an interpreter.” “ WE need interpreters”

6. Where do we use interpreters? Doctor’s offices Court rooms Hospitals (& Health) Work places Many other places

7. Need an interpreter? Plan ahead Tell the hearing person to call DHCC as soon as possible Know an interpreter you like? Give the person the name DHCC will explain the cost

8. How do we use interpreters? Pre-Meeting What the interpreter can do Side conversations Signing styles Other information Who do we look at? Deaf/Hearing interpreting teams Post meeting How many interpreters?

9. Some situations… Any personal experiences? Interpreter doesn’t show up? Don’t understand the interpreter? Other situations…

10. Self-Advocacy Know your rights Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990 Know where to get information and support - DHCC Empowerment

11. Remember... Code of Professional Conduct Confidentiality Interpreter must interpret everything the hearing person says AND everything you say, good or bad Not everyone knows how to use interpreters Communication access

12. Chat & Questions What did we learn? How can we get an interpreter? What should we do while working with an interpreter? Who uses interpreters? Why should you get an interpreter? If you need support and information, where can you go? LET’S CHAT!

13. Thank you for your time!