Category: Practices & Trends
Allies: Sign Language Interpreters and a Bigger Picture View
We know Deaf people who have advanced to mid-level ranges in their respective careers, who are more than competent at what they do and could easily be leaders in their realms of expertise. I wonder what trajectory any one of their lives would have taken if systemic biases weren’t around practically every corner on their [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Embody the Change You Want to See
In the afterglow of StreetLeverage – Live | Atlanta the words of Seth Godin resonate strongly, “The art of moving forward lies in understanding what to leave behind.” As I have contemplated the myriad of questions asked and the rich diversity of perspectives shared, it occurs to me that there was consensus around one singular [...]
Sign Language Interpreters: Purposeful Change for Power Holders
Since I gained professional status as a sign language interpreter, I have witnessed oppression of various types, more than I would like, such as disenfranchisement of Deaf community members, abuse of power by interpreters, and discrimination against Deaf individuals. These are alarming and call for changes in how interpreters work. Incorporating Leadership into our Work [...]
Deaf Interpreters: In the Blind Spot of the Sign Language Interpreting Profession?
A few weeks ago, I was looking through StreetLeverage posts and as I neared the end- perhaps even after I had looked at all of the titles—I realized that I had not seen anything explicitly about Deaf interpreters. Of course, the phrase “sign language interpreters” appeared often, and of course Deaf interpreters are included in [...]
Sign Language Interpreters and the Quest for a Deaf Heart
A recurrent phrase that has been appearing in frequent discussions is “Deaf heart.” Our national interpreter organization, RID, has long been characterized as needing a Deaf heart. Recently, changes have been made to move RID to a more Deaf-centered perspective on the field of interpretation. The most recent evidence of this is the addition of [...]
Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter
Trudy presented, Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter, at StreetLeverage – Live. Her talk examined how the choices sign language interpreters make while delivering communication access can, and often do, contribute to the economic and situational disempowerment of deaf people. Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter In the spirit of being transparent, the stories I’m about to [...]
A Salute to Big Thinking Sign Language Interpreters
What do projectile vomiting, cancelled and delayed flights, and an unrelenting Nor’easter have in common? StreetLeverage—Live. As anyone who has organized a live event will tell you, there are always unforeseen challenges that arise and StreetLeverage—Live had its fair share. Despite these challenges, the event was a success. Talent Salute I salute Nigel Howard, Trudy [...]
What Role Does Civility Play in the Sign Language Interpreting Profession?
If the work we do as sign language interpreters requires that we convey messages not only with words but also with our demeanor, shouldn’t we consider what our demeanor conveys? I propose that demeanor is the face of civility and the effective use of civil behavior can enhance all aspects of the sign language interpreting [...]
StreetLeverage-Live: A Water Cooler Upgrade for Sign Language Interpreters
As most sign language interpreters will readily admit, much of the meaningful dialogue they have on the developments within the field occur at the water coolers of the profession—“small talk” sessions with a colleague. If you are reading this post, you are likely aware, that it is the plight of StreetLeverage to offer interpreters a [...]
Do Sign Language Interpreters Have a Right to a Consumer’s Attention?
At times it can be very difficult to be a sign language interpreter. We put our reputations on the line each and every day we raise our hands to work. We navigate new environments and new subject matter on a regular basis. We suffer vicariously as a result of inhumane acts. Worse, we do all [...]
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