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Sign Language Interpreters
What is sign language interpreter?
- A sign language interpreter is a professional who interprets between British Sign Language (BSL) and English.
- In education, interpreters are generally used to interpret what the teacher/lecturer is saying into BSL for the Deaf students.
- Interpreters may also be used to translate written documents into BSL.
- Interpreters may also be used to translate signed work (e.g. exams and essays) into written English.
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How an interpreter works in an educational setting
- In a class or lecture, the interpreter needs to stand or sit so that the Deaf student can see the interpreter, the lecturer and any visual aids that are being used.
- The lecturer needs to give the interpreter information about the content of the session beforehand, so that the interpreter can prepare.
- The lecturer and interpreter should discuss the format of the session so that the interpreter knows what to expect and when. This will also allow the opportunity for the interpreter to tell the lecturer about anything that might cause communication problems (eg use of video, dimming of lights etc).
- Details of the working relationship between the interpreter and lecturer are described in depth in the ASLI Draft Guidelines for Employers of Educational Interpreters (www.asli.org.uk). This information is useful regardless of whether or not the interpreter is to be employed by the college or contracted in for specific work.
- It is crucial that the lecturer takes into consideration the differences in dynamics when working with an interpreter, and the general issues of access that affect Deaf students in mainstream education.
- When an interpreting booking lasts over 1 hour it would be usual for 2 interpreters to be required. If only 1 interpreter is available then extra consideration needs to be taken of their working conditions. Classes can usually be structured so that the interpreter is able to take regular breaks (when no communication is required). This is essential to avoid fatigue and reduced effectiveness and also to prevent the risk of repetitive motion injury. Two hours is the minimum bookable time for an interpreter.
- At break times and lunch times, the interpreter will need a proper break from their work, and cannot be expected to continue interpreting. They would not usually offer social interpreting support for the student.
- It is helpful if the same interpreter/s can be used regularly. It helps the lecturer, student and interpreter to have this continuity both in terms of group dynamics, shared knowledge and working relationships. This becomes essential in more technical subjects where subject knowledge becomes vital in order to interpret effectively.
- The Forest Bookshop (www.forestbooks.com) provides a range of books and videos giving further information and guidance on the use of interpreters in Post 16 Education for Deaf students
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The benefits of using an interpreter
- Professional interpreters should be registered with either, or both, of these organisations
- Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI)
- The Independent Registration Panel (IRP), administered through the Council for the Advancement in Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)
- Interpreters may also be members of The Association of Sign Language Interpreters for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (ASLI).
- Registration status will reflect the interpreter’s training, qualifications and experience. SASLI is introducing continuing professional development (CPD) as a requirement for maintaining registration.
- Registered interpreters follow a Code of Practice which includes issues of confidentiality, and being impartial (not offering their own views or letting their own views interfere with the interpreting work).
- Registered interpreters are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance.
- Registered interpreters have been police checked – either through Disclosure Scotland or through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in England and Wales.
- Registration bodies have complaints and disciplinary procedures to ensure that the standards of registered interpreters are upheld.
- If you use an interpreter who is NOT registered, you do not have these safeguards, and you cannot be sure of the quality of the service you will receive.
- Interpreters are most beneficial to those Deaf students who are independent and academically able, but require BSL to access lecture content and for group or 1:1 discussions with tutors and fellow students.
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Potential problems
- There is a shortage of sign language interpreters within the UK. This is a particular problem in Scotland.
- This shortage means that interpreters are booked up in advance. Most interpreters are unable to accept bookings at short notice.
- If you want to book an interpreter, you need to do so as far in advance as possible.
- If you want to book a regular interpreter for a particular course, this needs to be done as soon as the student has accepted a place on the course.
- Sign language interpreters may not be the best form of support for those students who require additional support for social communication.
- Sign language interpreters are not usually the most appropriate type support for students with minimal language skills (MLS) or those who have learning difficulties in addition to deafness.
- Some establishments see providing an interpreter as being the total solution to supporting a Deaf student, but other considerations and awareness are usually essential in order to provide an educational experience that does not disadvantage them.
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Booking interpreters and interpreter costs
- Deaf students do not usually have to pay towards the cost of a CSW in Further Education. However, if the course being studied is at HNC level or above then the student will need to apply for DSA and use this towards paying the CSW.
- Interpreters can be booked direct, or through interpreting agencies.
- SASLI holds a register of interpreting agencies in Scotland. A directory of agencies is available from SASLI.
- CACDP provides a directory of interpreters registered with the IRP (www.cacdp.org.uk)
- There is no fixed rate for interpreters, but in Scotland interpreters are guided by the fees published annually by SASLI (www.sasli.org.uk).
- How much is charged will depend on timing, duration, location and type of work involved – if you give the interpreter, or agency, as much information as possible beforehand they should be able to give you a quote for the work.
- Interpreters may have to charge more if they are working alone for bookings lasting over 2 hours.
- Cancellation charges apply if a booking is cancelled with notice of one week or less. Specific cancellation charges can vary and should be made clear at the time of booking.
- Remember that if you book an interpreter through an agency, you will also have to pay an agency booking fee.
- Translation work is very time consuming, and payment for translation work may need to be negotiated separately. It will not always be possible for an interpreter to estimate accurately how long a particular translation will take them to complete.
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Useful Links
www.asli.org.uk : ASLI Draft Guidelines for Employers of Educational Interpreters.
www.forestbooks.com :The Forest Bookshop
www.sasli.org.uk : Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters
www.signature.org.uk : CACDP has changed its name to Signature
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