Working with an interpreter is like working with any other professional who knows 2 (or more) languages!

As a hearing consumer, a few things to keep in mind are:

• Speak directly to the Deaf consumer (avoid saying “tell them…” or asking "does he/she...").

• Provide the interpreter with a copy of printed materials (if available). From navigating the office building to presentation slides with notes-- the more, the better! This helps prepare interpreters to give the highest quality interpretation for both the deaf and hearing consumers. 

• It is best practice to request a team of 2 interpreters or more, depending on the nature/duration of the assignment. For example: 15 minute team meeting? 1 interpreter. 3 hour business meeting? A team of 2 or more interpreters would be required. This is to avoid decrease in quality of the interpreted information. Interpreters require a break about every 20 minutes. 

• Interpreters use “processing time" to gain an understanding of the entire message before they begin signing. American Sign Language and English are very different. If the Deaf person is actively signing and there is silence from the interpreter, they are getting all information they need to begin interpreting that message into the English language for you to understand-- and vice versa!