Re: interpreter role

Posted by m on 1/18/08

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On 11/14/07, mom wrote:
> A friend of mine has a deaf daughter who attends regular
> school. Everything was fine until middle school this year.
> One interpreter is also the hearing impaired teacher and
> special ed case manager. The relationship between student
> and teacher/interpreter has been strained and is getting
> worse. The student finally requested a meeting with the
> principal to talk about her problems with the teacher--and
> that teacher was also the interpreter for that meeting.
> There are issues re: the tty--the school only has one and
> it is in the hearing impaired teacher's classroom. She
> leaves (and locks the door) while the student is still at
> school some days. (So apparently no tty in nurse's office,
> counselor's office, main office).
>
> My question is about having one person carry out three
> different roles--or even two since special ed teachers are
> usually the case managers. How does this affect neutrality
> of the interpreter?
is the student total deaf, or does this student have some
hearing capabilties? this student will need to function in a
hearing world. it is good the student speaks up for themself
and should continue to do so. an impartial interpreter
should be available for all meetings. the teacher involved
should not have served as the interpreter. not only should
the student have an interpreter independent of the teacher
IF this student is mainstreamed, but the interpreter should
be changed each year. repeatedly interpreters become
emotionally involved with the students and families and the
role changes from interpreter to advisor and personal
assistant.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• interpreter role, 11/14/07, by mom.
• Re: interpreter role, 11/24/07, by dog has bad ears.
• Re: interpreter role, 11/24/07, by mom.
• Re: interpreter role, 11/30/07, by sue.
• Re: interpreter role, 1/18/08, by m.
• Re: interpreter role, 3/20/08, by emily.