The Fourth Case Study
Working with an Interpreter
A social worker is meeting with a Deaf individual to discuss the potential of a relative foster care placement with him. This is the initial meeting and an interpreter has been scheduled to provide support for communication.
The following scenarios provide two different approaches to working with an interpreter in meeting with a Deaf person.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
WHAT TO DO:
Learning from the Fourth Case
The videos you just watched shows two different approaches – that led to very different results. In the rest of this lesson, we’ll go through what didn’t work in the first version (and what you should avoid) and what did work in the second version that you would want to emulate.
WHAT TO AVOID
In the first scenario, the worker did the following:
- was not open to advice from the interpreter about logistics that would be most helpful for communication
- asked questions related to the client directly to the interpreter
- focused her eye contact on the interpreter
- focused her questions on the barriers the deaf person experiences in the world.
WHAT TO DO
In the second scenario, the worker did the following:
- asked the Deaf person and interpreter for information about how best to communicate.
- posed questions to the interpreter limited to advice on how best to communicate.
- used direct eye contact with the Deaf client.
- focused on her questions related to the assets the deaf person brings to the role of foster parent.
These two scenarios ended with very different results. One with a deaf person who was hesitant to respond and potentially did not give the information that the worker needed to make an informed decision. In the second scenario, a better rapport was established. In working with an interpreter, it is important to recognize she or he is there as a resource to support you in your communication, but that your direct interactions will be focused with the client. This may look differently depending on who the client is, but in general, the interpreter is a professional to support you both in being able to bridge the communication divide.
WHO TO PROVIDE INTERPRETERS FOR
Another consideration is who to provide interpreters. The scenario focuses on a situation with a family member considering taking on the responsibilities of foster care and points out that working in public health and human services requires communicating with the family, not just a client. So, if a client does not require an interpreter, but the client wants a family member or companion to attend a meeting who does need an interpreter, an interpreter should be provided. (Unless this meeting would be in which any client would not be able to invite anyone else to attend.) Remember, the interpreter is present to assist you in communicating with the client and meeting their needs – and at times, that may require communicating with other family members or significant people in the client’s life. This is an appropriate time to provide interpreting services.
Tips for Working with Interpreters
Here are some other general tips from the Minnesota Department of Human Services ~ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division
Talk with the interpreter beforehand
- Clarify unique vocabulary, technical terms, acronyms, jargon, seating arrangements, lighting and other needs.
- Provide interpreter with any written materials ahead of time.
Interpreter and speaker(s) should be in the consumer’s sight line
- This allows participants who are deaf or hard of hearing to pick up visual cues and the expressions of the speaker.
- In small group discussions, consider using a circle or semi-circle seating arrangement instead of a theater style arrangement.
Be aware of lighting
- Provide good lighting so the interpreter can be seen.
- If lights will be turned off or dimmed, be sure the interpreter can still be seen clearly (use spotlight or small lamp to direct light toward the interpreter.)
Talk directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing
- Maintain eye contact with the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
- Avoid directing comments to the interpreter (i.e. “Tell him…” or “Ask her…”), respond directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Speak naturally
- Speak at your normal pace. Interpreters will ask you to slow down or repeat if necessary.
- Interpreters convey concepts and ideas, not just words, to render an accurate interpretation.
Avoid private conversations – everything will be interpreted
- Whatever the interpreter hears will be interpreted. Do not ask the interpreter to censor any portion of the conversation.
- Ask the deaf or hard of hearing person directly to find out if they are following the conversation.
One person should speak at a time
- An interpreter can only accommodate one speaker at a time. Encourage the group to follow this rule.
- If you are facilitating a group discussion, be aware that the interpreter will be several seconds behind. Pause before recognizing the next speaker to allow the interpreter to finish with the current speaker.
Avoid asking the interpreter for opinions or comments about the meeting
- Interpreters follow a code of ethics, which requires impartiality and confidentiality with all assignment related information.
- Do not assume the interpreter has prior knowledge of the deaf person or will be interpreting future appointments.
Provide breaks or two interpreters
- Interpreting is mentally and physically taxing. For assignments greater than 2 hours in length, 2 interpreters will be needed. For shorter assignments, with only 1 interpreter, breaks may be required.
- Do not expect the interpreter to interpret during these breaks.
For more information, visit DHHSD’s web site.
