Laurel Dunlap

365 Tips for Interpreters

Week 16
Tips: #16 and #298

Tip #16
Never take a job that Deaf people consider a Deaf job.
I am always very careful about this. I have purposefully not applied for ASL
instructor jobs because who better to teach ASL than a Deaf person? Also,
hearing people are usually the ones hiring and tend to hire the hearing person
over the Deaf person.
I am actually having a little bit of a struggle with this right now. I am looking
at, and hoping to be, teaching at the Colorado School for the Deaf in the fall. I
am already working as a long-term sub right now (until internship) and Im
loving it. However, I do feel very strongly that Deaf teachers and dorm staff are
vital to the development of a positive self-identity and learning to live and love
Deaf culture. Also, teaching in fluent, native, ASL is always best. Studentteacher relationships ate stronger between those with similar background and
experiences.
However, the school has been unsuccessful all year to find teachers to hire at
all Deaf or hearing. So, we will see!
Tip #298
If you are not comfortable with certain populations, be true to your feelings
and dont accept assignments with these populations.
I am careful about this. Usually, when signing on with interpreting agencies,
you are given a questionnaire to rate your comfort level of different types of
assignments, your experience in these areas, and also are area to list
assignments you are not comfortable with. One area I always decline work in is
working with prisoners. My mentor works with prisoners and enjoys it. But,

for me, it is not something Im comfortable with. It is best for me, and for the
consumers involved, if I do not accept this type of work.
Here is an excerpt from the contractor packet used with one agency I work for:
Read the interpreting situation carefully and circle:
1 - No experience, interested in shadowing only
2 - Minimal experience (may accept with team interpreting)
3 - Limited experience, capable and qualified depending on situation
4 - Sufficient experience, definitely capable and qualified
5 - Highly experienced, skilled and qualified
A.A. meetings..........................................
1 2 3 4 5
Chemical abuse programs.......................
1 2 3 4 5
Deaf children..........................................
1 2 3 4 5
Mental health (1:1)..................................
1 2 3 4 5
Mental health (group therapy).................
1 2 3 4 5
Mental health (hospital lockup)................
1 2 3 4 5
Church services or other religious .........
1 2 3 4 5
Weddings...............................................
1 2 3 4 5
Funerals..................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Legal.......................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Dental.....................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Medical...................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Surgical...................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Medical emergency.................................
1 2 3 4 5
Social or recreational..............................
1 2 3 4 5
Elementary educational..........................
1 2 3 4 5
Middle school educational......................
1 2 3 4 5
High school..............................................
1 2 3 4 5
College (undergraduate).........................
1 2 3 4 5
Postgraduate college level.....................
1 2 3 4 5
Welfare, WIC, etc....................................
1 2 3 4 5
Social security........................................
1 2 3 4 5
Job interviews..........................................
1 2 3 4 5
Job training..............................................
1 2 3 4 5
Performing arts .......................................
1 2 3 4 5
Police.......................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Vocational...............................................
1 2 3 4 5
Technical & computer..............................
1 2 3 4 5
Corporate................................................
1 2 3 4 5
Telephone...............................................
1 2 3 4 5
Minimal Language Skill............................
1 2 3 4 5
S. E.E......................................................
1 2 3 4 5
ASL Interpreting......................................
1 2 3 4 5
Transliterating.........................................
1 2 3 4 5
Oral Interpreting......................................
1 2 3 4 5
Deaf/Blind...............................................
1 2 3 4 5
Political..................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Prison.......................................................
1 2 3 4 5