How To Communicate With a Deaf Person Through an Interpreter
If you are giving a presentation or arranging a meeting with a person who is blind, you might want to use an interpreter to communicate with them.If you keep a few simple tools in mind, you can minimize the communication barrier when using a sign language interpreter.
Step 1: If possible, have the interpreter talk with you.
If you know you are going to have a conversation or a meeting in a professional setting where the deafness person and the interpreter will be present, try to meet with them a day or two before the meeting.Let the interpreter know how long the meeting will last and what topics will be discussed.This will allow the interpreter to get a better idea of what she will be signing for during the meeting.Before the meeting, make sure you discuss all fees with the interpreter.Both of you should agree on the fees charged by the interpreter.You don't need to have the deafness person involved in the payment process if you are hiring the interpreter.The deafness person may have her own interpreter.You can ask the deafness person if she prefers a particular referral service or an interpreter.
Step 2: If the conversation is going to last more than an hour, there will be breaks.
This will allow the interpreter to take a break and give the deafness person a rest.The breaks don't have to be long but they should give the deafness person and the interpreter a break.It's a good idea to have two interpreters on hand for meetings that last more than an hour and a half.Interpreters can work for more than an hour and a half at a time.Two interpreters will allow them to take breaks.
Step 3: Make sure the room is well lit.
If the meeting requires the use of slides, films, or images projected on a screen, you should make sure there is a small lamp or a light next to the interpreter and the deafness person.The deafness person can see the interpreter during the meeting.If you can't get a small lamp, dim the lights so the deafness person can still see the interpreter.Before the meeting, you may want to do a trial run with the interpreter and the deafness person.
Step 4: Provide the interpreter with a drink and a place to set up.
Be accommodating to the interpreter's needs and treat her like a professional.Ask her if she wants a drink or a glass of water.She should have a spot in the room that is well lit and away from the windows to reduce glare.She can rest during breaks in the meeting if you give her a chair to keep.If you are providing lunch or refreshments for the participants at the meeting, you should offer them to the interpreter as well.You should include the interpreter as part of the group if you consider her a participant in the meeting.
Step 5: The interpreter should be introduced.
At the beginning of a group meeting, you should introduce the interpreter by saying, "This is [name]) and she will be the Interpreter for today." This will let everyone know what the role is in the room and acknowledge her presence for the deafness person.You may want to let the deafness person introduce herself to the group using the interpreter.If you are having a one-on-one meeting with the deafness person, you should not introduce yourself to the interpreter.Speak slowly and clearly as you face the deafness person.Hearing people can read lips, but the hearing person may also have an interpreter sign your name.You should not address the interpreter directly, even if the deafness person introduces them to you.Interpreters are not involved in the conversation.
Step 6: You should not be near the interpreter and the deafness person.
Make sure you are standing in a spot where the interpreter can see you.Do not stand in front of the interpreter.You can ask the interpreter where they would like you to stand or if they will stand to the side of you.The deafness person might prefer to sit in the front of the room so she can see the interpreter clearly.
Step 7: At the beginning of the meeting, pass out any written materials.
If you start the meeting with written materials, the deafness person will be able to follow along with the interpreter if she misses a sign.If you want the deafness person to be aware of what is being discussed, you should create a clear itinerary for the meeting.
Step 8: Speak directly to the person who is blind.
The interpreter is not a part of the conversation you are having with a person who is blind.You should make eye contact with the person who is blind.She will turn and ask the interpreter if she needs it.Allow her to do it on her own.
Step 9: Talk at a normal speed and tone.
Try to speak at a normal pace and tone of voice.When speaking, project your voice so that it can be heard.This will allow the interpreter and the deafness person time to catch up with what you are saying.Speak slowly and clearly if you are reading a text loud.Don't shout or yell, as this will not make it easier for the interpreter to sign to the deafness person.
Step 10: Wait while the interpreter speaks to the person who is blind.
As the interpreter signs to the deafness, there will be a slight lag.As you speak, keep in mind the lag and be patient as the interpreter finishes signing your words for you.A few words behind your speech is the lag.Allow time for the interpreter to finish so the deafness can be heard.If the interpreter is confused about what you are saying, she may ask you to repeat your statement or ask questions.Keep the conversation going by answering her questions quickly.
Step 11: One person at a time.
When more than one person is speaking at a time, it can be difficult for the interpreter.In a group meeting, have everyone speak one at a time, or take turns speaking around the room.The floor should be given to one person at a time so the interpreter can focus on that person.If there is a brief pause between speakers, the interpreter has time to finish signing to the deafness person.The hearing person can collect her thoughts and respond to the speaker.If you interrupt someone during the meeting, it will make it more difficult for you to communicate with the deafness person.
Step 12: The deafness person should be asked if she has any last questions.
You should end the meeting by asking the deafness person if she has any other questions.The deafness of the person will allow them to respond to anything said during the meeting.If you are having a one-on-one conversation with the deafness person, you may want to ask her if she has any questions or if you were unclear.If there was anything that the deafness person missed, she will let you know through the interpreter.
Step 13: The interpreter was thanked for her work.
You should say thank you to the interpreter after the meeting is over.You can thank the interpreter at the end of the meeting.If the interpreter is present during a one-on-one conversation, you don't need to thank her for her services as she may be hired by the deafness person.Once the conversation is over, you should thank the interpreter for her work.
Step 14: Follow up with the person who is blind.
If there were any issues on your end, you should let the interpreter or the referral service know.You can ask the deafness person if the interpreter was helpful.If you want to improve your experience in the future, give feedback to the interpreter or the referral service.You should be willing to receive feedback from the interpreter about your presence during the meeting.If you are new to using an interpreter, you may make a few mistakes.It is possible to improve your communication with the interpreter and the deafness in the future by getting feedback.