ASLIS (logo)

Picture Description [How is your interpreter? Deaf Consumers’ Rights! flyer. On the right, there is a column of panelists photo. From left to right, there is a picture of Heather Gilbert. Text: “Heather Gilbert: Owner of Gilbert Law Lawyer Fluent in ASL.” In the middle, there is a photo of Pam Gleason. Text: “Pam Gleason: Certified Deaf Interpreter.” On the bottom, there is a photo of the CODA brothers. Text: “Ben Olson & Andy Olson: Owners of CODA Brothers Interpreting, Interpreters.”]

(Email Message):

Thank you for attending our Event, How is your interpreter? Deaf Consumers’ Rights! We had such a great turn out as well as feedback. We encourage you to continue this dialogue in the community.

Go to https://www.aslis.com/deafresourcelist/ to view our electronic version of the Resource Page we made available at this event.

Question & Answers:

(Question) A lot of responsibility of advocacy falls on the Deaf person’s shoulders. How can interpreters be hearing allies without causing more oppression? – Iowa

(Answer) Being an advocate and being an ally are different. Interpreters may not, in accordance with their ethical code of conduct, engage in impartial dialogue with a hearing provider. In the same way that the deaf person wouldn’t want the interpreter crossing the neutral boundary and advocating for the hearing provider, it wouldn’t be fair or ethical for an interpreter to cross the neutrality line and advocate for the rights of deaf people. It defies the role of an interpreter. There are other professionals that have an advocacy role—not interpreters.

(Question) How do we get CDI’s remotely when we do not have many in our area? Can a CDI go through VRI? – Duluth

(Answer) Yes, often. Depends on the VRI vendor and if they have contracts with CDIs.

(Question) If I have an interpreter confirmed for my appointment and I need to cancel, does the company still have to pay for the interpreter? – St. Cloud

(Answer) Yes, usually if it was cancelled in under 48 business hours. Some interpreters have less stringent cancellation policies.