Interpreter Related Information

by Janel Muyesseroglu

Gallaudet Interpreting Services. (June 1999). Available online: www.gallaudet.edu/~gisweb/ [June 23, 1999].

(For more information about obtaining an interpreter, or interpreting guidelines, please see www.gallaudet.edu/~gisweb/).

Guidelines for requesting an interpreter:

• All written requests for interpreters must include the following:
• Your name, date of request, email, and phone number .
• All requests also must specify what kind of communication mode is required.
• The complete address of the location including the building name, room number, and an on-site contact person.
• Write a brief explanation on what the interpreter is expected to do on the job.
• If you have a request for a specific interpreter, say so.
• If you are requesting an interpreter for a course: provide the name of the course; the course number; name of the instructor; whether you are deaf or hearing; if this is a graduate or undergraduate course; the dates, days, and times you will need the interpreter.
• If you are requesting an interpreter for a meeting, presentation, workshop, or other event: provide the name of the event; the dates, days, and times; how many deaf and hearing people will attend; and the name of the presenter, and if the presenter is deaf or hearing.

Guidelines for complaining about an interpreter:

• There are two ways to handle interpreter complaints. You can either contact the supervisor to request an appointment to discuss the problems in person, or you can write a formal letter of complaint to the supervisor.
• When calling or sending an email to ask for an appointment, include the following:
• your name;
• the interpreter's name;
• a brief description of the complaint;
• your request for an appointment with the supervisor.
• When writing a formal complaint letter, include the following:
• your name;
• the interpreter's name;
• the problem(s) that you have with the interpreter. State these problems clearly and fairly (if you have several complaints, it may be best to focus on only the two that are most serious);
• how you want the problems to be solved;
• factual information, not emotional statements;
• a polite request that the supervisor correct the situation.

It is important when writing a complaint letter to keep a positive tone. Do not use words that make a person feel libeled against (libel: to write false information about someone that can lead to public ridicule or cause them to suffer). Be aware that you can face a libel suit if you knowingly write exaggerated or false accusations that cause the interpreter to lose his/her job.

Helpful phrases you can use:

When requesting an interpreter:

• I am deaf / hard of hearing and I need an interpreter.
• I need an interpreter for the following date and times _________, ______.
• I need an interpreter who is skilled in ASL.
• Please contact me if you need more information.

When complaining about an interpreter to a supervisor:

• I would like to meet with you and discuss some problems I am having with my interpreter.
• The interpreter is not receptive to my feedback.
• These are problems that I am having with my interpreter: ________, _________, _________.
• Can you tell me how to give feedback to my interpreter without making him/her feel defensive or offended?
• Thank you for your feedback on how I can communicate with my interpreter. I will use your advice next time I meet my interpreter.

When providing feedback to your interpreter:

• I would like to give you some feedback if that is all right with you.
• Can we meet so that we can go over the following issues: ___________, ____________.
• It would really help if you could…
• I feel uncomfortable when you…
• I feel that it is not appropriate to…
• I am having a little trouble understanding you. Can you please (pick one): speed up, slow down, use more ASL, use more PSE, use more English, use your lips more, use more expression.
• I appreciate your acceptance and understanding of my feedback. Do you have any feedback for me?