AVLIC Official Position: Deaf Interpreter
Temas
Detalles
Deaf interpreters (DIs) use their expertise in their native sign language (American Sign Language (ASL) or la langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)), along with gesture and other communication strategies, to foster culturally and linguistically appropriate interpretation for Deaf consumersi that hearing interpreters are generally not able to provide. They do so in a wide range of settings and situations. Some of these settings are ones where the outcome may have serious consequences, such as medical, legal, employment and mental health, among others. Consumers who benefit from the services of a DI include, but are not limited to, non-native signers (i.e. newcomers and/or visitors to Canada) who use another signed language; Deaf and hard-of-hearing people who have developed their own unique way of using a signed language (sometimes referred to as “home signs”); individuals with a physical disability that affects their ability to produce a signed message; Deafblind community members; and individuals with a cognitive challenge. In addition, hearing interpreters benefit from the DI’s expertise when working as part of a team in complex situations.