ASL Interpreting 101 for Hearing People | Andrew Tolman & Lauren Tolo | TEDxBend

Summary

In this TED Talk, interpreters Lauren Tolo and Emily Marturano emphasize the critical role of sign language interpreters in ensuring accessibility for the deaf community. They discuss the complexities and challenges of interpreting, highlighting the need for professional training and certification. The speakers advocate for greater awareness and collaboration with the deaf community to create inclusive environments. By sharing personal experiences, they illustrate how interpreters facilitate communication in various settings, urging the audience to engage directly with deaf individuals and support their advocacy for better access and representation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interpreters play a crucial role in accessibility and inclusion for the deaf community, yet they often go unrecognized.
• 😀 American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich language with its own culture and grammar, not merely a collection of signs.
• 😀 The interpreting process is complex, involving simultaneous translation and an understanding of context, tone, and emotion.
• 😀 Many deaf individuals identify as part of the Deaf culture, highlighting the diversity within this community.
• 😀 Historically, ASL interpreters lacked formal training, which has evolved significantly since the 1960s and 1970s.
• 😀 Effective interpretation requires understanding not just words, but also the intent and emotion behind them.
• 😀 There is a significant shortage of qualified interpreters in critical settings, such as healthcare and legal environments.
• 😀 The current certification process for interpreters is limited, with few nationally recognized standards, leading to variability in interpreter quality.
• 😀 Collaboration between hearing people and the deaf community is essential for creating inclusive environments.
• 😀 Engaging directly with deaf individuals and organizations is crucial for understanding their needs and improving accessibility.

Q & A

What role do sign language interpreters play in accessibility?

Sign language interpreters facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals, ensuring that deaf people can access information and participate fully in various settings.

How does the perception of interpreters differ from their actual work?

While many view interpreters as performers due to their visible presence, interpreters are professionals providing crucial services, not entertainers.

What are the educational requirements for sign language interpreters?

Interpreters typically graduate from bachelor’s or master’s programs and are required to continue their education through workshops and community engagement.

What challenges do deaf individuals face regarding interpreting services?

Deaf individuals often encounter a lack of qualified interpreters, especially in rural areas, and may have to settle for subpar access or no access at all.

What is the significance of the Code of Professional Conduct for interpreters?

The Code of Professional Conduct sets ethical standards for interpreting practices, ensuring accountability and protection for both interpreters and the deaf community.

How has the perception and training of ASL interpreters evolved over time?

Historically, interpreters were often untrained friends or family members. Today, professional training is emphasized, recognizing the complexity and nuance of interpreting.

What are some of the new forms of interpreting being developed?

New forms include protactile interpreting for the DeafBlind community and collaborations with certified deaf interpreters to add cultural context.

Why is it important to involve the deaf community in the interpreting process?

Involving the deaf community ensures that interpreting services meet their specific needs and promotes an inclusive environment where they can express their experiences.

What can hearing individuals do to support deaf accessibility?

Hearing individuals can advocate for certified interpreters, support deaf organizations, and engage directly with deaf people to understand their needs.

What was the significance of the Occupy ICE PDX protest for the deaf community?

The protest was notable for its inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing activists, who created accessible spaces and developed specialized vocabulary, empowering the community.