Quote:
Originally Posted by bike42
To me this seems like a perfect volunteer opportunity. Surely there are many people in TV who know sign language and who would be happy to place themselves on call for activities that require an interpreter, such as meetings, plays, classes and so forth. When a hearing-impaired person wishes to participate they could let this volunteer list know that they need an interpreter for a specific event. The volunteers could be coordinated by the Recreation Department, the Lifelong Learning College, or some other existing organization.
This approach would be much more in the spirit of TV than demanding paid interpreters at every event.
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Hi, Dr. Gabe Mirkin
Remember you had paid interpreters for your deaf patients because they acted professionally and necessary for you to communicate effectively with your patients. Don't you agree?
By the way, Volunteer ASL interpreters sometimes lack commitment. They may not take a great deal of responsibility upon themselves to provide quality interpreting. We, people who are DEAF, had used volunteer interpreters and still do complain when the quality of the translation we receive is questionable.
The obvious primary advantage of volunteer interpreters is the money saved by the District government, as these volunteer interpreters are not paid. Also, however, it may be extremely difficult to locate volunteer interpreters to continue the whole time of any program.
It is important to remember that hiring a volunteer interpreter does not necessarily guarantee quality and effectiveness of communication.
Paid ASL Interpreters keep taking continuing education courses to improve their competency of providing translation professionally. The profession of interpreting will never be recognized as a truely skilled profession if people offer their services for free. Doctors charge, contractors charge, landscapers charge...........these are all chosen occupations that require specific skills and training. No other profession does gratis work. An interpreter, who does gratis work could have it on their heart from God to do this; or they could be unskilled and are trying to get their foot in the door. I recommend that they receive the hourly rate that is your areas average. If they are employed full time as an interpreter elsewhere, that place of employment should be compensating them for their education and certification expenses.