ASL Interpreters in Medical Settings

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kalynh

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Hi everyone,

I am a college student and I am currently enrolled in a class to learn about Deaf culture before I begin to learn ASL. One of our projects is to explore a topic that interests us and give a presentation on it. I am interested in medicine and therefore chose to learn more about ASL interpreting for the Deaf in medical situations. I was wondering if anyone here would be willing to share some experiences, or explain how the process of getting an interpreter works. I would greatly appreciate any help!

Thank You! :)
 
kalynh said:
...explain how the process of getting an interpreter works....
Click to expand...
It doesn't.

Ideally, a deaf patient should be able to request an interpreter at the same time as making the medical appointment, and then be able to show up for the appointment with a capable terp ready and waiting there. That's not always what happens in real life.

Problems:

  • Medical office scheduler balks at scheduling a terp. "You can read lips or write notes, right?" "Bring a signing relative with you." "Our nurse knows how to finger spell."
  • Scheduler tries to get deaf patient to pay for the service. "We can't afford an interpreter for you; you or your insurance will have to cover it."
  • Appointments have to be made way in advance, delaying diagnoses and treatments.
  • Appointment is made but terp cancels, reschedules, or doesn't show up on time.
  • Terp shows up but doesn't meet the needs of client.


There are some doctors and hospitals who are totally compliant with ADA requirements, and have a smooth system set up for scheduling the terps. They are fantastic. But sadly, that is not yet the standard nationwide.
 
I know that when you arrive they treat you different then other patients. I read the ladys lips and she said there is the deaf lady. My husband said they were very loud. and everyone turns and looks at you . Some nurse talked to me like 15 minutes before she relized I was deaf.. My husband said ,if you are talking to her you have to look at her..it is so sad..
 
I am licky enough right now where the medical center is used to deaf and has qualified interperters. This is the one area I demand a good interperter. In the past it has been a fight to get an interperter and I have not been happy with the quality of translation. There needs to be more lawsuits to force medical centers to provide qualified interperters. Really really sucks otherwise
 
Finally!...Here in Jacksonville (Florida)...Shands Hospital has a policy that all deaf clients/patients require an intrepretor..no if's or butt's about it!....If the Intrepretor is late...then you just have to wait...if it's a "no show", then you have to reschedule.....
 
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