An interpreter facilitates communication between parties who do not share the same language. Deaf individuals may be prevented from understanding and/or participating in situations if spoken or written English is the main mode of communication.

Some simple communication can be done through written notes or gestures, but any time important content is being communicated, having an interpreter present safeguards the participants by ensuring that information is accessible to both parties.

VRI is as simple as a Zoom or Teams call. DSU can schedule your call with the video conferencing platform of your choice and just requires a device with a camera, microphone, and speaker to exchange signing and voicing for all users. The interpreter will simply join the call and be displayed automatically on your device.

Remember that the interpreter is there in a professional capacity. Feel free to speak with them as you might a new colleague, but keep in mind that they are there to provide a professional service to allow communication access. They are a bridge for communication between the Deaf and Hearing parties, not an additional person in the discussion. It can feel strange at first to have an outside person facilitating your conversation, but keep in mind that you are speaking with the Deaf or hard of hearing individual, not the interpreter. Avoid falling into the habit of speaking in the third person (he/him, she/her, they), rather, use the second person (you/we) just as you would when speaking with a Hearing person. Speak directly to the Deaf or hard of hearing individual and make eye contact with them, not the interpreter, for the duration of the conversation.

That’s no problem! Our interpreters love ongoing assignments and the opportunity they provide to get to know your organization and your consumers. Our request form will prompt you to share if you have ongoing access needs and our coordinators will schedule accordingly.

Interpreting is a very taxing activity, both mentally and physically. Research has shown that an interpreter’s ability to mentally process and interpret a message accurately diminishes drastically after approximately 30 minutes of interpreting. Worse, the interpreter is usually unaware that his or her accuracy has decreased, so misinformation is being unwittingly transmitted. Research also indicates accuracy improves on longer or more complex assignments when implementing a Team interpreting approach.

Team interpreting refers to interpreting situations where two or more interpreters work together with the goal of creating one interpretation. An interpreting Team creates a collaborative approach by capitalizing on each interpreter’s strengths and supporting each other for consistency.

Our scheduling team will assist you in determining the appropriate number of interpreters needed. The decision of when to use a Team rather than an individual interpreter is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to:

• Length and/or complexity of the assignment
• Unique needs of the individual needing accommodation
• Physical and emotional dynamics of the setting

When necessary, Team interpreting provides continuity in the interpreted message, increased accuracy, and optimum interpreting services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.