Job Responsibilities
Our major responsibilites are to ensure the parties understand
each other. We do not always have to use sign language. We can
use whatever we feel will get the communication accross. We can
write on the board, draw or download pictures,use English,
Pigeon, American Sign Language, or High Visual Language, making
pictures with our hands and facial expression. Interpreters are
not only there for the person using the different language, we
also work for the teacher, or doctor.
We also need to be cognizant of the lighting, communicating with
the Deaf person if we are in a good place, reserving a place for
them will make our job easier.
But also not doing too much so they are dependent on us is just
as improtant. For example, I passed a student studying who lost
track of time, that I knew needed to be in class, but I am not
allowed to make eye contact with her as it would remind her.
I am to inform them of community resources that would assist
them, as we are in a unique position of knowing what is going on
in both the Hearing and Deaf world. This also follows the
National Association of the Deaf Code of Ethics.
We are to interpret as impartially as possible. We can do some
cultural mediation, which will help the communication and
decrease bas feelings.
Truly, the straight lecture interpreting may only be 6 hours a
week. Often there are more short times. In the educational
setting if you work for the district, teachers will ask you to
do errands and treat you like their aide, which you are, but not
until she is done talking. Interpreters must be able to
communicate to the teachers when their role is to interpret, or
else look around for someone else who can do the task. They
will probably talk you into driving students, also.
Communicating with the teachers that disciplining the students
is not the interpreters role is crucial.
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Job Requirements
Programs in the future will probably be 3-4 years due to the
video testing demands. The quality of classes depends on the
teachers. Some teachers have an inherant hatred of hearing
people in general and may be depressing if you take it personal.
There is high demand for court interpreters but expect to work
other positions about 5 years before you do that unless your
family members are signers or you have a natural ability. There
is a need for medical interpreters and they will soon be
required to have passed a high level of vido exams. Most end up
in the educational feild. Schools advertise for other areas,
but they are, in actuality difficult to get.
Some certified interpreters go into job coaching.
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Uppers
Interpreters learn a lot, have a reason to study subjects they normally would
not touch so they can interpret the class well. People are more excited about
your career. When the communication is flowing, you feel satisfied.
Sign can help some people communicate better, even if they are hearing.
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Downers
Downers for Interpreting are irratic hours, surprize layoffs,
financial delay, companies insisting the Deaf person has to pay
the interpreter when they do not understand the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Clients may be irrationally demeaning toward a simple mistake or
perceived mistake, although I have had to interpret between 2
deaf people who do not understand each other.
Lawsuits are a real threat these days. An entire group of
Interpreters can lose their career due to slander.
There is a general competitiveness and interpreters often seem
to oppress each other. They love to tell you that you are not
qualified or are "Ethnocentric".
Hearing people who think they know sign and have never graduated
from an Interpreter Training Program will interupt your work or
argue with you while you are working.
Many people want to learn sign and will ask you to teach them,
but other interpreters will harass you if you do as they feel it
is "wrong".
There are conflicting ethical dilemmas almost every day. Many
interpreters like telling you how you did the morally wrong
thing.
Some people who think they know sign seem like they do not want
an interpreter around. They also sign some very embarassing
signs and the deaf person may expect the interpreter to set them
straight.
There can be a physical toll on the wrists, and neck. Money may
have to be spent on a massage therapist/Chyropractor or splints.
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Lifestyle
There will always be a need for Interpreters in big cities due
to the drop out rate, ADA laws, more knowlege of rights and
Interpreters not passing the video test that eliminates them
from the field.
If you are seriously wanting to earn a living, get testing first
and make sure you do not have a learniing disorder involving
visual and auditory processing. Also consider if you have neck
injuries.
Otherwise, if you just have become addicted to the language and
the people, who knows where it could lead?
Sign and Let Sign.
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Compensation
There is No vacation pay. Sometimes Interpreters can get health
insurance if they work full time for the school system. Pay
starts around $10.50 / hour in a Minnesota district. Some
situations that are less formal, such as a family reunion, a hat
is passed around so the deaf person does not have to foot the
bill for the interpreter. Some may charge 35.00/ hour.
Usually interpreters should get a $50.00 appearance fee, then
after 2 hours, $25.00/hour. That is the minimum. If an
interpreter becomes more experienced, $35.00/ hour is quite
accepted. After an interpreter passes the written and video
performance test they should charge more. Also companies may
charge more for special situations, such as High Visual People.
You will have to do Pro-Bono situations, but you can chose those
situations and they are usually people you understand, or they
can be fun situations like a museum.
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Advice to Jobseekers
There will always be a need for Interpreters in big cities due
to the drop out rate, ADA laws, more knowlege of rights and
Interpreters not passing the video test that eliminates them
from the field.
If you are seriously wanting to earn a living, get testing first
and make sure you do not have a learniing disorder involving
visual and auditory processing. Also consider if you have neck
injuries.
Otherwise, if you just have become addicted to the language and
the people, who knows where it could lead?
Sign and Let Sign.
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