Deaf/Hearing Team Interpreters
Since October of 1998, I have become a full-time ‘free lance” interpreter. That means I am finally getting a taste of the secular interpreting world. This month I would like to discuss a topic that is not specifically related to Jewish Interpreting: Deaf/Hearing Team Interpreters.
Here in Philadelphia, both Interpreter Referral Services have a policy which requires the use of a Deaf and Hearing Team for all Legal and Mental Health Situations. A Deaf Team member may also be used in other situations where it is determined that the Hearing Interpreter may need additional assistance.
For those who are not familiar, in a Deaf/Hearing Team, in effect, the Hearing Interpreter works most closely with the Hearing “Consumed’ while the Deaf Interpreter works with the Deaf Consumed’. So for example, in a doctor’s office, the doctor will convey the message to the Hearing Interpreter who signs to the Deaf Interpreter. The Deaf Interpreter then repeats the information for the Deaf Consumer. When the Deaf Consumer responds in sign language to the Deaf Interpreter, he/she rephrases the response to the Hearing Interpreter, who then ‘voices what the Deaf Interpreter has signed.
Although on paper this set up may look awkward, in real life it works very smoothly and effectively. The Hearing Interpreter is able to spend more time attending to the Hearing Consumer (doctor), so the doctor doesn’t feel left out. The Deaf Interpreter is able to Condo with the Deaf Consumer (patient) so he/she feels more at ease.
As a Hearing Team Interpreter, I am always in awe of my Deaf teammate. It is wonderful to watch my sign message repeated and elaborated upon to make sure the Deaf Consumer fully understands. It is also amazing to see how much more comfortable the Deaf Consumer looks and how much more elaborate his/her answers become. Although several doctors I have worked with have been “resistant” in the beginning (we never needed this before . . .”), by the end of the appointment, they appreciate how much more information they were able to gain from their deaf patient.
Deaf/Hearing Team interpreters can also be used in platform interpreting situations. The Hearing Interpreter will sit in the front row and “feed” the lecture/presentation to the Deaf Interpreter, who signs in ASL to the audience. M. J. Bienvenu is well known for doing this at national RID Conventions.
Similarly, I have seen Deaf/Hearing Teams used in a synagogue setting. Again the Hearing Interpreter “cues” the Deaf Interpreter/Prayer Leader who is then able to lead the Deaf Congregants. Maria Berkowitz and Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Kakon have both used this technique very effectively.
If you have any experience BEING a Deaf/Hearing Team Interpreter or USING a Deaf/Hearing Team, feel free to share your comments by e-mail at [email protected]
