What does an interpreter do?     
 

Interpreters provide a communication link between the hearing students and teacher(s) in the classroom and the deaf or hard of hearing student in the classroom.

The interpreter will sign the following for the student:
-Teacher directions to the class or to the deaf or hard of hearing student that is either formal or informal
-Any remark that the interpreter is able to hear could be interpreted; classroom teachers need to be aware of this
-Announcements over the intercom
-Any type of nonverbal sounds on media (such as videotapes, computers, etc.) Videotapes must be closed-captioned, but depending on the deaf or hard of hearing student's reading level, the interpreter may also translate the meaning or intent of the media information.
-Sounds in the environment: doors slamming, alarms, bells, thunder...and other sounds that the students react to. Unimportant sounds are not generally interpreted unless they have an impact on the student.
-Interpreters do not only interpret the words of what is being said, but they also convey the emotional content of the message.
-Where sounds come from may be also indicated by the interpreter by using pointing or naming.
-If a discussion is taking place out of the student's sight, this type of social situation may be translated.
-If a concept is not easily translated from English to American Sign Language, the interpreter may use extra signs for clarification.

The interpreter will translate the following remarks made by the deaf or hard of hearing student:
-Communication that is directed to the teacher or classmates during regular instructional periods. Some students chose to speak for themselves, rather than sign. If their is misunderstanding, the interpreter can be asked for clarification.
-Comments that the students signed to either the interpreter or no one specifically. An example of this would be, "The teacher is sure stupid." The reasoning for interpreting these types of comments is so the deaf or hard of hearing student understands when to use discretion and to know that the interpreter is not there to protect or sensor the child. The role of the interpreter is to simply pass through to others whatever the student says.
-Comments that are made during non-instructional times: recess, lunch, and before and after school periods.
-Conversations between deaf or hard of hearing students and their hearing peers during formal and informal instructional times. The teacher has the right to ask the students what they are saying, just as with any student.

The interpreter must follow his or her rules that are established by their professional code of ethics.
-Confidentiality
-Impartiality
-Must not let caring interfere with professional functioning
                                                             
Interpreters will help hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing students and the classroom teacher how to use an interpreter.
-Hearing students must direct their comments to the deaf or hard of hearing students rather then the interpreter when talking to the deaf or hard of hearing students.
-The deaf or hard of hearing student use the interpreter.
-Explain to the hearing students why the interpreter is there, how he or she works, and how to use the interpreter (if requested by the classroom teacher).

 Copyright © 2005, Danielle Thor. All Rights Reserved.
For problems or questions regarding this web contact [danielle.thor@marshall.k12.mn.us].
Last updated: 04/04/08.