Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions on working with Interpreters and on Sign Language and Deaf issues in general.
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General Questions
How to Work with an Interpreter
Deaf Culture Do's and Don'ts
Sign Language Classes
Companies are benefiting by providing public communication access and utilizing Sign Language Interpreters. Not only does it protect them legally if someone who is Deaf/hard of hearing attends, but it also demonstrates the company's public awareness, sends a proper message of accessibility, and heightens the company's image. Here are some common questions asked by prospective and current clients:
What is the Role of an Interpreter?
The Interpreter must faithfully transmit the spirit and content of the speakers. Deaf and hearing persons using Interpreter services have the right to control the communication interaction and make their own decisions. ASL Services provides nationally certified specialists to interpret for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
An interpreter is a participant in providing an accessible environment for the patient/client(s). Their role is to facilitate communication between the company and their client(s).
[Note: With deaf patients, there may be times when an intermediary interpreter who is also deaf may be brought in as part of the interpreting team.]
Can anyone who knows how to sign be an Interpreter?
No, the biggest misconception by the general public is that anyone who has taken classes in ASL or signed English (or knows the manual alphabet) is qualified to be an Interpreter. A Signer is a person who may be able to communicate conversationally with Deaf persons, but does not possess the skills and expertise to accurately interpret or function as an Interpreter. To become an Interpreter, it is necessary not only to be bilingual and bicultural, but to have the ability to mediate meanings across languages and cultures, both simultaneously and consecutively. This takes years of training and practice. Qualified Interpreters need to have some level of State qualification or certification.
How much prior notice should be given to obtain interpreting services?
Although at least one week's notice is preferable, ASL Services Inc. can often accommodate short-notice and emergency services. Our emergency pager number is: (407-931-8050) or 1-888 SIGN-ASL and press 1 to notify us of your emergency needs.
Is Sign Language a Foreign Language?
Subject: Dr. Michael Tucclei's Response to the December 5, 2002 Orlando Sentinal Letters to the Editor Article on ASL
To: Orlando Sentential Editor
Dear Editor:
I disagree respectfully with your December 5 comment that sign language in schools is fine but not as a foreign language substitute. Let me address some of your objections. You wrote "The mushrooming popularity of sign language should give lawmakers pause. Those students aren't taking the course because many more employers are begging for sign-language skills, or because the deaf population in this nation has burgeoned. Many students just think that ASL is easier than a foreign language." American Sign Language is based on French Sign Language brought over in the early 1800s by a deaf French man Clerc. He was instrumental in establishing the first school for the deaf. As psychologists as Mele Koneya and Alton Barbour has documented, only 7% of communication is in words. American Sign Language is a visual/gestural language emphasizing the 93% of communication which are cited by PhD linguistic candidates in Colorado (Alysse Rasmussen) and Stanford as being one of the world's most difficult language to become fluent in ... on the same level as Chinese. Marilyn von Savant, in her column "Ask Marilyn" also advised taking sign language. The Smithsonian Institution had an article "ASL is Not Mouth Stuff .. It is Brain Stuff". You may be surprised that due to the passage of the ADA, many employers are cognizant of the fact that they are required to provide reasonable accommodations and communication is specifically mandated as one area to provide accommodations. ASL is the only foreign language that can be used for ADA compliance ... hence employees who are fluent in ASL are indeed an asset to employers. You also stated "...but American Sign Language is not a foreign language...". What about all the various American Indian languages? They are certainly more "American" than ASL but I don't see any objections to them being offered as a foreign language in various universities. Finally, you stated "...students don't come away from the class with an appreciation of another country and its literature, or of this nation's ethnic diversity. Moreover, the demand for their signing skills isn't as great in the marketplace as the demand for bilingual workers." Believe me, when my students at the University of Florida leave my classes after analyzing Deaf Culture, Deaf Literature and viewing productions such as "Children of a Lesser God" and "Sound and Fury", they are aghast at the oppression of this "ethnic diversity." I will be happy to send you over a HUNDRED pages of my students leaving my classes commenting their intense appreciation of the culture of ASL and of the diversity of Deaf people. Hearing people who are fluent in ASL are indeed bilingual workers. Employers find that they are priceless as it sure beats having to contact a certified ASL interpreter and paying a $35 to $50 per hour fee. Christopher Columbus met incredible resistance in his "thinking outside of the box". In fact, a committee, after four years of deliberation, came to the conclusion that he was crazy. History shows that Spain realized a 50,000% annual return of investment. Job Accommodation Network and DOJ analysis show that for every dollar employers invest in accessiblity, they receive 2,800% return of investment. As Dr. Bernie Hale from Clearwater stated that deaf people comprise of the 'third largest nation on earth', a knowledge of ASL as a foreign language is indeed an asset to high school and college students.
Dr. Michael Tuccelli (deaf)
Lecturer, University of Florida
American Sign Language
"The World's Most Exciting Foreign Language"
Guidelines and Tips
• Speak Directly to the person.
• Don't ask the interpreter to omit anything.
• Do recognize that all information discussed is confidential
• Don't ask the interpreter to interject personal opinions.
• Provide good lighting, even if auxiliary lighting is necessary.
• Be aware that interpreting is physically and mentally fatiguing to both the interpreter and the client.
• Check for breaks as needed.
Do's
• Do not assume communication is occurring correctly (nodding does not always mean I understand)
• Ask patient directly the best way to interact
• Have paper and pencil
• Write in short simple sentences; patients (or a family member's) grammar may not be perfectly correct.
• Convey your willingness to communicate
• Watch facial expressions, eye gaze, etc.
• Repeat if necessary
• Allow for more time
• Look directly at the person, keeping your hands and face toward the deaf person you are speaking with, even when they are looking at an interpreter.
• Do include the deaf person in the conversation.
• Be friendly; they merit the same respect as anyone else.
Don'ts
• Don't underestimate a person's intelligence.
• Don't pretend to understand if you don't.
• Don't exaggerate your mouth movements or yell.
• Don't have objects in your mouth, or cover your mouth while speaking
(This applies to deaf children and adults).
• If you must discuss something you don't want interpreted, and then leave the room.
Or wait until the Deaf person leaves.
• Don't repeat the same word if there is difficulty understanding it. Use a synonym.
• Don't speak to a deaf person with your back to a light, window or mirror .
• Do not refer to them in third person as if he/she was not present.
To get a Deaf Person's Attention:
• Gentle tap the shoulder or arm is best.
• If entering a room, you can flip the light switch off/on once or twice before entering so they know you are coming in.
Communicating with Speech Readers
• Wait until the person can see you before speaking.
• Never speak directly into the person's ear.
• Position yourself 3-6 feet from the person.
• Speak at your normal rate.
• Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions.
• Do not exaggerate your words
• Clue the person about the topic and as the subject of the conversation changes.
• Choose a quiet place , reducing as much background noise as possible.
Sign Language Classes
ASL Services, Inc. provides support for each person's goals, from learning Sign Language to entering the interpreting field all the way to national certification and specialties beyond.
Who can benefit?
Excellent for community, family members, friends, and coworkers that wish to communicate comfortably with members of the Deaf Community. These skills are also very beneficial for students who have or are currently attending a college program for additional support.
How are classes set up? Classes are set up on a student demand basis. In order to accommodate your specialized scheduling needs, we maintain a list of interested parties with preferred times of day and skill level. We then establish classes around their defined needs.
What is different about your classes? First,you are assured of excellent instructors, as the classes are all taught by Deaf instructors using an immersion method that is fun and enjoyable in a stress-free environment. The array of instructors include members of the ASLTA (American Sign language Teachers' Association), RID (National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) Certified, and Deaf-Blind interpreters all with years of experience in teaching and interpreter training. They are all recognized leaders in the Deaf Community.
Classes meet once a week and are purposefully small (max 13) for better interaction opportunities. It also allows students to have the opportunity for individual attention and support. You can call our toll free number 1-800-SIGN-ASL to find out more about additional unique features that our classes provide.
Are there opportunities for advanced growth? Absolutely! Our Sign Language classes move through levels 1-4. There are opportunities to move into interpreting mentorships, internships and more.
What materials are used in Class? Our main text is "Signing Naturally," published by Dawn Press. However, ASL Services Inc. has a comprehensive media room with a vast array of videotapes, workbooks, and related materials to promote training and development.
Additionally, tutoring and evaluations are available to assist each student to maximize his or her potential.
• Request Services
- ADA Compliance
- Nationwide Interpreting
• ASLS, Inc. FAQ
- The Interpreter's Role
- How to Use an Intern
- Deaf Etiquette
• Become an Interpreter
• Interpreter Careers
• Info on Deafness
