The interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication and convey all auditory and signed information between the deaf and hearing individuals. The interpreter will sign the spoken conversation, voice the sign language and inform the deaf person of environmental sounds, such as an alarm ringing.

The following are suggestions for how to maximize the effectiveness of using an interpreter.

• The interpreter and hearing person should both be in the deaf person's line of sight. The interpreter will decide where to sit or stand, either to the right or left of the speaker. Provide good light, so the interpreter can be seen. If showing a video, be sure it is captioned. (DSS can help you arrange that.)

• Talk directly to the deaf or hard of hearing person, as if the interpreter was not there. Do not direct comments to the interpreter (i.e. "Tell him.." or "Ask her..") or ask the interpreter's opinion or comments regarding the content of the meeting.

• Avoid private conversations with the interpreter - everything said will be interpreted. Also do not ask the interpreter to censor any part of the conversation.

• Interpreters associated with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) are bound by a Code of Ethics which requires impartiality and confidentiality of all assignment related information. See http://www.rid.org/ethics/code/index.cfm for details.

• Speak naturally and at your normal pace. Interpreters listen for concepts and ideas, not just words, so they will be typically interpreting one or two sentences behind the speaker. They will ask you to slow down or repeat, if necessary.

• An interpreter can only accommodate one speaker at a time. You may need to remind people in a group meeting to take turns speaking.

• Provide a short break if the meeting is over one hour long. Interpreting is mentally and physically taxing. Do not expect the interpreter to work during the break.

Taken from: Interpreter Referral - Tips for Working with Interpreters. Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. 13 July 2005 http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/disabilities/documents/pub/dhs_id_051607.hcsp

and Interpreting, NETAC Teacher Tipsheet. Northeast Technical Assistance Center . 25 May 2005 http://netac.rit.edu/downloads/TPSHT_Interpreting.pdf