Standards of an ASL Interpreter

Purpose:  To promote a safe and supportive work environment leaving each situation better than we found it for the next interpreter. 


* Arrive Early -  This principle can help to defuse almost all potential problems.  If the client and doctor are waiting on the interpreter, the appointment has already started off on the wrong foot.  The interpreter should call the POC and/or text the agency to inform them of any situation that could lead to a late arrival and make sure to pass along an updated ETA.  If the interpreter is running late, the best thing that can be done is to communicate early. This will allow the agency to proactively reach out to the POC on the interpreters behalf and prep both parties that the interpreter is in route. 

* Dress Appropriately - Clients are expecting the interpreter to appear in professional attire.  It sets the tone and shows respect for the client and situation.  If the agency or assignment details doesn’t specify otherwise, interpreters should always dress business casual. If ever in doubt overdress. It's wise to keep an interpreter “go-bag” in your vehicle in case a last minute assignment comes in requiring you to dress professionally; such as a public event or job interview.  

* Defer to the Client - When in doubt, defer to the wishes of the Deaf client.  Whenever there is a choice to be made such as where to sit, stand or wait, the interpreter should ask the Deaf client their preference and try to honor the request.  If this causes an issue for the hearing client, it should be discussed and decided by the hearing and Deaf end users and not the interpreter. If both parties defer to the interpreter then you will be ready and positioned to provide consultation. 

* Defer to the Agency - With billing, scheduling or other related questions/comments, an interpreter should defer back to the agency.  This allows the interpreter to remain neutral and focused only on interpreting and the agency can answer any questions or concerns about billing/scheduling. 3Bridges wants to take on any “back end” assignment needs so you don't have to. The interpreter should send any and all problems our way and we will take it from there. 

* Soft Skills - Be constantly proactive with everyone you speak with and everything you do. Anticipate problems and think through solutions. Remember any negative experience a client has with interpreters will likely be generalized to the Deaf Community – whether that is the interpreters intention or not. The interpreter has the power to decrease or increase access to the Deaf community based on the impressions made on hearing clients while on assignment. This is especially true for first time users of interpreters. 

* Communicate proactively - Situations may arise where the interpreters scheduled time is coming to an end but the clients are not done with their appointment. We understand that it is not always possible for an interpreter to stay long and when the end time comes you have to leave. To reduce the chance of client frustration and to allow for a replacement interpreter if needed, please use the following tools. 1. Communicate with the clients ahead of time if you sense an appointment is going to run long and you know you are not able to stay late. 2. Call or text the agency to let them know a replacement might be needed. This will position you as the interpreter to shift any potential client frustration over to the agency so you can remain neutral and in the role of an interpreter.

* Stay until excused - In most cases, the assignment is considered a “No-Show” when one or more of the clients fail to appear.  It is appropriate at this point to report to the front desk, assignment POC, and/or agency to inform them and ask whether they want you to stand by any further before you leave the assignment. The interpreter should not leave an assignment without being excused by either the client(s), POC and/or agency. Oftentimes while checking in with the POC or agency new information will become available such as the client being in route. 

* Limit screen time - The interpreter should be available, open and ready to interact with clients at a moment’s notice. Unnecessary screen time reduces the clients opportunities to interact with each other and take advantage of access to the fullest. There are of course extenuating circumstances and the interpreter should be transparent with clients if a situation requires them to use their phone. This will help the interpreter avoid client misunderstandings and the perception of not being present and engaged. 

* Reduce Personal Chats - Interpreters are not robots and they should be seen as approachable and friendly.  Every situation is unique and there can be no “right way” on how to interact with clients.  The interpreter should be impartial and maintain professionalism, using good judgment while being polite and respectful.  This ensures the neutral perception that the interpreter is without prejudice and ready to serve both sides as needed.

* Admin Work - When the assignment has been completed, it is the interpreter’s responsibility to close out the job in the scheduling portal.  This includes entering the correct start/end time, travel and any notes or information that needs to be passed along.  It should be done within a reasonable amount of time as it allows the agency to verify and resolve any issues.  

In summary: “By leaving a job better than we found it ensures the next interpreter is walking into a successful situation. Success built on success built on success.”

- T3 & BB​

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