Interpreter's Corner
Lore Rosenthal Philadelphia, PA
I was recently contacted by a father about his
interpreting dilemma. He had arranged with an agency to provide an interpreter
for his child at synagogue. Once arranged, he had invited other deaf people
to attend. The regular interpreter was called away at the last minute and
a substitute was sent. He was never informed; rather one of the deaf guests
was notified. In addition, the interpreter was positioned badly for his
child to see. The interpreter did not make any attempt to get the child's
attention during the service. Here was my response to him:
First, the agency should always contact you (the originator of the request) if there are changes in the arrangements.
Second, if you happen to know the interpreter personally and work together on a regular basis, I would think s/he would have called you him/herself (although s/he is not required to do this if s/he is working through an agency).
Third, it is NOT the interpreter's job to ask your child to pay attention or to "kick" him/her. That is a parent's role. Your child, however, may tend to watch someone s/he knows more attentively.
Fourth, both the client and the rabbi should determine the interpreter's placement. The interpreter should arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the service to finalize this information. Often a music stand or podium is provided. This would be placed in the proper location prior to the service. This would communicate to the interpreter where s/he should stand. The interpreter should always check in with you and/or the rabbi prior to the service to confirm all this. I find it hard to imagine that the interpreter just started doing his/her thing without conferencing with you.
Fifth, you (as the client) should arrive early and grab a prime seat. Otherwise, it is usually first come, first serve. Either hearing people will take the good seats or other deaf people will take the seat you want for your child.
Sixth, I am sorry to say that once you invite all the deaf people to the service, they ALL become the "clients" (not only your child). The interpreter will choose the language mode, etc. according to the whole group. Interpreters will stand where ALL can see. Therefore, your child should be in the middle. If s/he is off to the side, the interpreter cannot go to the side of the deaf group but must be in a place most accessible to all.
Unfortunately, all this puts a double burden on you, both as the contact person and the father of the deaf child. You need to keep your eye out for the interpreter to give him/her instructions while also reserving a prime seat for your child and yourself.
What do you think? Please feel free to contact me c/o JDCC, by fax (215) 682-9742 or via e-mail llr226@aol.com.
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