How to Work with Sign Language Interpreters
A sign language interpreter communicates between people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and those who have hearing. A sign language interpreter may be useful or required in many different settings, including healthcare, education, court, an office or other situations. The best way to find a qualified interpreter is to work with a professional interpreting service that meets regulatory compliance. But, how do you work with a sign language interpreter once you secure their help?
If you’re going to learn how to work with a sign language interpreter for the first time, or if it’s been a while since you’ve worked with an interpreter, you may not know what to expect. We’ve put together the following list of tips so you can become familiar with the process and be prepared before and during the interaction.
How to Prepare for the Session
Before the interpretation session, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Code of Conduct
The interpreter’s role is to communicate between people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and those with hearing. An interpreter will interpret everything, so don’t ask the interpreter to leave something out. Interpreters are bound by a strict Code of Professional Conduct, such as the code established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. This Code ensures confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality.
It’s not uncommon for a sign language interpreter to seek out the individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing to casually talk to assess their sign language skills before the interpretation. This helps establish a trusted rapport as well as helps the interpreter provide more meaningful language access.
2. Timing and Teamwork
Signing can be physically and mentally tiring. If there’s only one interpreter, that person may need breaks after 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of interpretation. If there are two interpreters, they can relieve each other during regular intervals. The one who isn’t interpreting can then monitor the conversation and watch for things that may have been missed.
Another type of interpretation in which there’s more than one interpreter is when a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) works with a hearing sign language interpreter. In this case, a CDI works with an interpreter to handle dialects, sign languages, home signs, or other cultural differences to make sure the interpretation is precise.
3. Help Them Help You
If you have any written materials that you plan to use during the session, provide the interpreter with a copy ahead of time. This will allow the interpreter to become familiar with the content and ask questions about the material, such as terminology.
Go beyond just written materials by sharing the meeting agenda, names and roles of participants, any specialized vocabulary or acronyms, and whether the session will involve audience participation. The more context the interpreter has, the smoother the communication will be.
If you plan to show a video, check to see if it has closed captions. If the interpreter needs to interpret the video, understand this is a form of simultaneous interpretation and they would need to be aware in advance, as well as may need breaks.
4. You’ll Need a High-Speed Internet Connection
The connection between your interpreters and patients is just as important as the one between your router and your devices. If you’ll be working with Video Remote Interpreting, the internet connection must be high-quality for full visuals of signs. If you can use a hard-wired internet connection, this will facilitate the best quality connection.
5. Prepare Your Team
Before the day of the session, brief all speakers and staff on how to work with an interpreter, such as speaking at a steady pace, allowing only one person to speak at a time, and addressing the deaf participant directly rather than saying “tell them.”
How to Work with an Interpreter During the Session
Here are some tips on how to work with an interpreter during a session.
- Allow extra time to meet the interpreter(s) and the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing before the session begins.
- Make sure that the interpreter(s) is comfortable with the setting, such as having an extra 1-2 chairs available.
- During the session, look at and speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, not the interpreter.
- Speak in your regular tone of voice at your natural pace. If needed, the interpreter will ask you to slow down.
- If the interpreter is remote and everyone else is physically together, make sure every person is audible by standing nearby the computer when speaking or using microphones.
- Relax. If you have questions, ask the interpreter.
If at any point the deaf participant indicates that the interpretation style is not working for them, be open to making adjustments. Contact your LSP if a different interpreter is needed — feedback is part of ensuring quality communication access. Learn more about language preference in trauma-informed care settings.
How to Work with an In-Person Sign Language Interpreter in a Large Group Setting
Here are some tips on working with an in-person sign language interpreter in a classroom or large group setting.
- If the interpreter will be in a setting where you’ll be presenting in front of a group, make sure that the interpreter either has standing room or a seat facing the deaf person. Also, make sure there’s room for a chair, and it’s not too cluttered to move around.
- The person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing needs to sit in the front to see the speaker, a board or other visuals (if used), and the interpreter.
- Pay attention to the interpreter’s visibility, avoid backlighting from windows, distracting backgrounds, or people walking behind them. These can make it harder for the deaf participant to see the signing clearly. If you plan to dim the lights, make sure the deaf person will still be able to see the interpreter.
- If you plan to dim the lights, make sure the deaf person will still be able to see the interpreter.
- Don’t assume that an interpreter and a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing already know each other or expect the same interpreter to be in future sessions.
- If there will be multiple speakers, advise them to pause before the next speaker speaks. This will allow the interpreter time to finish interpreting.
- Make sure you have contact information for the interpreter or the agency they represent in case anything changes prior to the meeting.
Learn about using ASL interpreting services in government settings.
After the Session
Your job doesn’t end when the session or event is over. Take a few minutes to:
- Ask the deaf participant(s) if the interpretation met their needs.
- Check with the interpreter about any recommendations for improving future sessions.
- Record any logistical notes, such as optimal seating arrangements, lighting adjustments, or terminology prep, to make next time smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with a Sign Language Interpreter
How far in advance should I book an interpreter?
Ideally, book as soon as you know the date and time of your event or appointment. Qualified interpreters, especially those with technical, medical, or legal expertise, can be booked out weeks in advance. Early booking ensures you find the right professional for your needs and allows time to provide them with prep materials.
What’s the difference between an ASL interpreter and a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)?
An ASL interpreter is typically a hearing person who interprets between spoken English and American Sign Language. A CDI is a deaf professional who works alongside an ASL interpreter to provide greater clarity in complex situations, such as interpreting for individuals with unique signing styles, multiple dialects, or limited language skills.
Can the interpreter explain what the deaf participant means if I’m confused?
Interpreters do not add personal opinions or “explain” in their own words. They interpret exactly what is signed or spoken, maintaining neutrality. If you need clarification, address the deaf participant directly and allow the interpreter to convey your question.
How should I communicate with the deaf participant during the session?
Look at and speak directly to the deaf participant, not the interpreter. Use your normal voice and pace, and allow time for interpretation. Engage with them as you would with any other participant.
Do I need to provide anything to the interpreter before the session?
Yes. Share any materials, agendas, terminology lists, and participant names as early as possible. This preparation allows the interpreter to become familiar with the subject matter and ensures more accurate communication.
What happens if the interpreter isn’t a good fit?
If the deaf participant indicates the interpreter’s style or skills aren’t meeting their needs, contact the language service provider immediately. It’s important to make changes quickly to maintain effective communication.
Can one interpreter handle an all-day event?
Not without breaks or support. Interpreting is mentally and physically demanding. For events longer than 1–2 hours, plan for multiple interpreters who can rotate and stay fresh.
Conclusion
Knowing how to work with a sign language interpreter should lead to a successful outcome for everyone. Booking early, choosing the right interpreter for your setting, and sharing context well in advance will make the biggest difference in the quality of your session.
At Avantpage, we provide interpretation services for all types of industries, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about how the process work. To learn more, get a free, no-obligation quote or call us at (530) 750-2040.
