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Tips for Working With Interpreters

  1. An interpreter is a communication facilitator, not a counselor, tutor, personal representative, or advocate for a person's rights.
  2. Communication should occur between the deaf student and the instructor. It is inappropriate to refer the deaf student as a third person. (i.e. "Tell him/her my name is….")
  3. Eye contact should be maintained between the instructor and the deaf student, NOT between the instructor and the interpreter.
  4. The interpreter should be seated close to the instructor. This will allow the deaf student to see the speaker and the interpreter at the same time.
  5. Direct all conversation toward the deaf student. Personal conversation between the instructor and interpreter should be avoided while the deaf student is present.
  6. An interpreter should not be asked for an opinion about the person who is deaf and should not be asked to participate in any classroom activities or discussions.
  7. The interpreter will interrupt if the speaker is speaking too fast for further clarification. It is important to remember when reading, speaking rates increase and interpreters often have difficulty keeping up.
  8. A copy of information such as handouts, reading materials, vocabulary words, etc. should be given to the interpreter before presented in class so he/she has time to prepare.