Hiring interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind - Deaf-Blindness

American Rehabilitation, Summer, 1995 by Kathryn L. Raistrick

A qualified interpreter for persons who are deaf-blind must have additional skills, which may be acquired by attending special workshops and training or learning from experience the specific modes of communication used by people who are deaf-blind. The interpreter must be able to convey the visual information as wen as the auditory to the consumer and to tactually express emotions as well as the message. Knowledge about the use of lighting and distance is important to enable the consumer to use any residual vision to the utmost. The interpreter must also know sighted guide techniques and procedures to use in case of an emergency

Using the Consumer's Mode of Communication. Because of the variance of the vision or hearing loss itself, the age of onset of the disability, and the primary language of the person, there are many modes of communication a person who is deaf-blind may use. Communication may involve using a black felt tip pen to write on white paper or it may require more complex skills, such as tactile fingerspelling or sign language. Assistive devices, such as the Teletouch or TeleBraille, which convert print into renewable Braille, may also be used. The interpreter must be able to communicate using the mode of the consumer's choice.

Conveying Both Auditory and Visual Information. Most interpreters are used to conveying the auditory information, both the spoken word and environmental sounds which are necessary for communication. But when working with a person with both vision and hearing impairments, it is necessary to convey visual information as well. Visual information could be what is on a written handout or on a form to be filled out; or it can be a description of the environment (e.g., who is in the room, how is the meeting room or classroom set up). Such information can be critical for the consumer.

Expressing the Emotional Tone of the Message Tactually. Sometimes the content of the message is shown on the speaker's face or in the tone rather than in just the words. If the interpreter is communicating tactually, merely repeating the words will not always interpret the message accurately For example, repeating only the words "I love shopping" when it is said in a sarcastic manner would completely miscommunicate the content. The interpreter must be aware that the expression of the emotional tone is part of the message and must be communicated on the hands.

Using Lighting and/or Distance to Best Advantage. Some people who are legally blind have some useful vision. They may not be able to drive a car, but if the light is right, they may be able to see an interpreter. Interpreters must know how to use the lighting in a room to the consumer's benefit.

One of the most demanding situations is when there is glare, which can greatly hamper the ability of many people with deaf-blindness to make the most of their residual vision. Unshuttered windows or bright florescent lights may hamper their ability to perceive communication. In setting up the interpreting situation the interpreter must be able to perceive possible problems with glare and to minimize them if possible.