Helpful Tips for Working with Sign Language Interpreters and Captioners

Helpful Tips for Working with Sign Language Interpreters and Captioners

Speak directly to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf Blind individual

• Address the person directly (e.g. "How are you today?") rather than directing comments to the interpreter/captioner (e.g. "Tell him..." or "Ask her...")
• The interpreter/captioner will interpret in the first person for the deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind individual (e.g. "I was wondering if you could help me.")
• If the interpreter/captioner is speaking as the interpreter, they will say something like, "The interpreter couldn't hear the question, could you please repeat it?"
• Maintain eye contact with the deaf individual even though they will be looking at the interpreter/captioner

Speak naturally and at a normal pace

• To provide an accurate interpretation, interpreters are listening for concepts, ideas, affect, and intent, not just words
• Interpreters/captioners will ask you to slow down or repeat information if/when necessary
• Please ask that only one person speaks at a time

Please provide the interpreter/captioner with: 

• Agendas, outlines, handouts, or summaries
• Information on unique vocabulary such as acronyms and/or technical terms
• Seating arrangements that provide the deaf client with a line of sight to the speaker and any presentation material that will be used while ensuring foot traffic in front of the interpreter is kept to a minimum
• Sufficient lighting for the interpreter to be seen

Interpreting and captioning is physically and cognitively demanding 

• Assignments of an hour or more in length that are technical in nature, continuous, or emotionally intense may require a team of interpreters. For more information about Team Interpreting see RID.org's Standard Practice Paper on Team Interpreting

Interpreters/captioners follow a strict Code of Professional Conduct

• Interpreters/captioners are to remain impartial and keep all assignment related information confidential
• Avoid asking the interpreter/captioner for opinions or information about the Deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind individual.  
• Do not ask the interpreter/captioner to censor any portion of the conversation

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