CDI aka Certified Deaf Interpreter

I -think- my recent <Deaf> teacher is CDI.

Her class was awesome.

I enjoy learning about how the team of CDI, HI and everyone all work together.
I'm glad FF and Kalista can discuss with us:)
 
Last saturday I attended to a CDI workshop by Ray Kenney. He's an awesome presentator. We plan to meet Ray again that he can be a mentor for us. It's not free but thats his job. Im looking forward to meeting him again soon.
About Sign Language Connection
 
That's really neat that you got to do that, Frisky and that you will have a great mentor!

I enjoyed the SLC website:ty:
 
That's really neat that you got to do that, Frisky and that you will have a great mentor!

I enjoyed the SLC website:ty:

Yeah Four of us, have to pick the date on the doodle and wait for him to reply, to see if all of us to get together with him.

He's really good. His strong field as a CDI to work with courts and prisoners. Cool.

I like his SLC website too!
 
oh that's good!

I imagine that working with courts and especially prisoners has many unique aspects. yeah cool...

that was a lot of useful info. on the site how the team of people can work together and what situations may benefit from a CDI-
 
oh that's good!

I imagine that working with courts and especially prisoners has many unique aspects. yeah cool...

that was a lot of useful info. on the site how the team of people can work together and what situations may benefit from a CDI-

I agree.

I havent get there to work with clients as a DI (not yet certified). I have done working with clients in my office. Thats why I realize that i need to take some workship to become CDI.
 
I've started watching some youtube videos about CDI's. Shellium (a hearing terp) discusses teaming with a CDI (or any DI) and reminds interpreters to keep 2 documents with them that explain why a CDI could be necessary. She says that often it's the hearing interpreter who realizes that a CDI is necessary in a particular situation. That hearing interpreter has then to go to whoever is responsible for hiring interpreters (office manager, someone like that) and explain that they need to hire a CDI. Sometimes these people are unfamiliar with the idea and the purpose of a CDI, and are not as cooperative as they might be if they were better informed. She said having appropriate documents to show them can be very helpful. They explain why CDIs are needed, and they come from important organizations, so people are more likely to trust and respect the information.

Anyway, the two documents she suggests are "Use of a Certified Deaf Interpreter" from the RID Standard Practice Paper and the NAJIT position paper called "Preparing interpreters in rare languages".

That's a 2 part video:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiqf9Kebkmk]Part 1 Teaming with Deaf Interpreter - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuDMHtS2uI]Part 2 Teaming with Deaf Interpreter - YouTube[/ame]

I'm also watching videos about CDI work from Dr. Byron Bridges and Ryan Shephard

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwHFicyosEQ]Dr. Byron Bridges CDI - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHr9IkLdTfI]Teaming: CDI's Perspective - YouTube[/ame]
 
After starting to watch these videos, I decided I wanted to try to transcribe them (using the word transcribe somewhat loosely, probably). Partly for the exercise, partly in case anyone who doesn't know enough asl would like to know more of what's being discussed, and partly in the hopes that someone more competent than I will answer a few questions I have about specific signs and a couple places where I wasn't quite sure how they fit together. So my attempt follows, and below that are my questions. Thanks!

I'm starting with the Shellium, because I've got a clearer understanding of more of her signing than the others. They're coming though, and if no one beats me to it, I'll post something for those videos too.

_________________________________________

Hello Everyone

I want to vlog about deaf interpreters (DI) - how hearing interpreters work together with them as a team. I think maybe some of you are curious to learn, you're wondering if in the future you might encounter a situation where it would be useful to team up with a DI.

I'm going to share some ideas I've listed. First, I'll notice, when I go to an an interpreting job, I meet with a client and start to attempt communication, and I'll realize that we need a DI. The hearing interpreter is often the first person to notice this, and it's his/her responsibility to bring attention to the need for a DI.

Often the people who do the hiring in an office are very much unaware (of the situation, of the whole idea of a DI maybe).

The kinds of situations that come up where a DI is appropriate are extremely varied. It can happen in any interpreting situation. It often happens in legal environments, but it can come up in everyday situations.

Some people already know that it can be better to team with a DI, like community advocates, when the client has minimal language skills (MLS), or has moved here from another country, ** anytime the client's language skills are limited, it's better to have a DI to work with.

Sometimes I'll meet a DI (Shellium comments that CDI means Certified Deaf Interpreter, but going forward she's condensing the abbreviation to DI for either DI's or CDI's) and we'll discuss the situation where we're going to team together. If the DI has alot of experience I suggest that they lead the interpreting work. I ask them how they want to proceed.

DI's have commented that they'll start by establishing communication with the client, and during that time I shouldn't voice. Just wait and allow that initial communication to happen privately. Once the DI and the client have a clear understanding, the DI will then sign material that I am to voice.

Most of the time the DI will want time with the client to become comfortable with each other, to familiarize him/herself with any home signs being used, to establish a relationship and, very importantly, to establish trust. People with limited language skills don't have an easy time with trust, and there can be resistance. So the DI will spend 15 or 20 minutes in this process.

Often the DI will explain the situation. "I'm deaf like you, I don't hear, we're the same. That person over there is hearing, they'll be speaking and the hearing interpreter will sign what they say. Then I'll explain it to you." - Basically explaining how the interpreting process works. It's really interesting to watch that explanation.

About figuring out where to sit, here's what seems to be the best way. The DI will sit facing the client, and I'll sit behind the client, facing so that I can see the DI. This way the (MLS) client only sees the DI and can focus on him or her, and is not distracted by my signing. Then the DI signs to me and I voice to the other (hearing) client.

A really good idea is to bring a calendar and paper and pen. Sometimes props as well, for example a model car to show what happened in a situation on the road. Also money is good to bring, or a map, like a US map or a world map to show where something occurred. These things really can help. The calendar can be important to show when something happened. Was it last week, or last month? Or to explain, for example, if the client is being charged with something and has to go to court, or you want to explain a punishment of 60 days, you could use the calendar to *show* the idea of 60 days.***

(She reiterates that she lets the DI work on all these communication issues until they finish and have a message for her to interpret, and then she starts to voice.)

This is funny - what normally happens in my interpreting, is I start signing more in ASL, I tend to start using more gestures and signing in a way that matches what I see happening between the DI and the deaf client. But often the DI will let me know that they prefer that I sign more in English and allow them (the DI) to strongly expand on the original version of the message, incorporating gestures and home signs. So I really am to follow the English word order - true business!

What I do is I try to block out the MLS client and focus on the DI and their message (second video starts here) because otherwise it's too much, watching both people. (a little more reiteration here on waiting for the message to interpret.)

We need to understand that this is a slower process and explain this to the hearing client, that it takes time and how the process works. That it's so important to follow the steps and make sure each one is clear. If we try to jump ahead, or get off track, communication can be ruined and we'll have to start from the beginning. That can waste time, so it's better to go slowly from the beginning.

It is a *wonderful* opportunity to work with a DI. I always learn so much. To see how they explain, make that connection, expand on concepts, the different strategies for communication, how they seem to move ideas around, coming at something from a different angle to make it clear (that's really clear in shellium's ASL, but I'm choking trying to say it nicely in English, ha!) It's really wonderful to watch. Wow - I always learn so much and jump to grab any chance to work with a DI.

Finally it's important to have resources to share with people who might be new to this whole concept - maybe the people who do the hiring: the boss or manager - they might not understand why you would need two interpreters. If this is a new experience, they could be resistant to the idea. If they ask you to explain why, it's important to be able to show them. First I use the RID standard practice paper on DI's. RID has it - you can look it up and print out and have it with you. This will explain about home signs, rare language use - if you have this to show to them they most always appreciate it. Next is the NAJIT: National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators paper on ***** interpreting for rare languages. It's a really good paper. It's 34 pages, and it explains and expands on the meaning of rare languages and all the variance involved. It can really help prove the validity of the kind of interpreting process necessary for rare languages.

Ok, I know I went on and on for a long time, but anyway, if you want to ask questions or add your experiences, come on!

(A the end I think she's talking about sharing interpreting experiences, and that this brings improvement.)

Take care, I love you, bye bye!
_____________________________________________________________

Ok. Now questions from your typist.


Anyone know the sign she's using at 1:00 - starts as an a/s shape, ends in a y shape, and has a motion similar to "association"?

**Can anyone help me get this integrated into her presentation, it looks like she's signing "head" then "language learner"


***at 7:41 she makes a sign with 2 a handshapes that I didn't recognize. So I'm not sure if she's saying that the person needs to show up in court in 60 days, or if the punishment for not showing up is 60 days in jail, etc. help?

2nd video at 2:11 - can anyone tell me the sign with 2 s handshapes? also at 2:24 - dominant hand goes from 5 to s, running out along a 1 handshape on the NDH?

*****2nd video 4:00 Dominant hand expands out to a 5 - not sure how to describe that one. anyone know the meaning?
 
UPDATE:

September 23, 2013 – Alexandria, VA – The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID), announces two significant changes to the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Knowledge Examination, more stringent eligibility requirements for the CDI exam and improvements to the content of the written exam. These changes go into effect on January 1, 2014.

The new eligibility requirements for individuals to sit for the CDI Knowledge Exam were recommended by the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Task Force and approved by the NAD-RID Certification Committee and RID Board of Directors.

“The CDI Task Force has done an outstanding job working tirelessly over the past few years to review the eligibility requirements for CDI certification and revise the ASL videos for the written CDI exam,” stated Shane H. Feldman, RID Executive Director. “Furthermore, their work demonstrates the commitment of our volunteer leaders to the vision and mission of the organization. We are grateful to their dedication to RID.”

The 16 total hours currently required to sit for the CDI Knowledge Exam will be replaced with the following requirements:
40 hours (4.0 CEUs)

Candidates for the CDI Knowledge must demonstrate that they have completed at least 40 hours (or 4.0 CEUs) of interpreter training, total. This training must be completed in specific content areas as outlined below.

Included are suggested topics of study that may be used to demonstrate that these requirements have been completed.

8 hours – RID Code of Professional Conduct (required) Recommended topics: Ethical Decision Making, Ethics in Interpreting

8 hours – Introduction to Interpreting (required) Recommended topics: Interpreting 101

8 hours - Process of Interpretation (required) Recommended topics: The Deaf Interpreter at Work, Deaf/Hearing Team Interpreting, Deaf/Deaf Team Interpreting, Interpreting for Deaf Blind consumers, Deaf Interpreting Processes, Deaf Interpreting Theory and Practice, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Sight/Test Translation, Visual Gestural Communication, and Platform Interpreting

16 hours - General Interpreter Training Recommended topics: Linguistics of ASL, Interpreting Practicum, Additional training in any of the required content areas above

The CDI Knowledge Exam revision and the updated eligibility requirements will be implemented on January 1, 2014. All candidates who take the CDI Knowledge Exam after that date will receive the revised version of the exam.

In addition, all candidates who test on or after January 1, 2014 must demonstrate that they meet the new eligibility requirements as outlined above. Candidates are welcome to begin submitting their updated documentation to RID Headquarters at this time. Only the current version of the exam will be given to exams provided prior to January 1, 2014, even if the candidate meets the new eligibility requirements.

Those familiar with the current eligibility requirements will recognize that the revised requirements are, in essence, an addition to the current 16 hours of training required in the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and Role and Function of a Deaf Interpreter. Candidates who are currently eligible for the CDI Knowledge Exam must meet the additional 24 hours in the Introduction to Interpreting and General Interpreter Training content areas if they want to schedule their exam after the implementation date of January 1, 2014.

Revisions to the CDI Knowledge Exam

Along with the change in eligibility requirements, the CDI Task Force took on the job of revising exam questions for the CDI Written/Knowledge Examination Furthermore, during the exam revision, a study conducted by Castle Worldwide determined the appropriate pass score is 72, which was approved by the CDI Task Force, NAD-RID Certification Committee and RID Board of Directors.

CDI Candidate Handbook Available Soon

To coincide with these changes, the current CDI Bulletin will be replaced with a more comprehensive CDI Candidate Handbook. This new document will include all the relevant information in the CDI Bulletin in addition to updated information about becoming a CDI certified and RID’s examination policies and procedures. The CDI Handbook will soon be available on the CDI Certification page, on the RID website at RID -, in the “Education and Certification” section.

Educational Requirements for the CDI

The current educational requirements to take the CDI Performance Exam are still applicable to all candidates. Candidates must have an associates degree in any field to quality for CDI certification. On July 1, 2016, all candidates must then demonstrate that they hold a bachelors degree in any field.

Candidates may also meet this eligibility requirement by submitting an application through the Alternative Pathway to Eligibility. More information about this program be found on RID’s website.

RID - CDI Certification
 
Reba, Thanks. I was going to ask CDI person who works with RID about this one. Also I ll have a meeting with my collaugue about CDI today.
 
I still struggle to become a CDI. There is NO support from our home town. There is no PROGAM for us to take certain workshops or courses unlike regular interpreter programs. Its really hard. I cant believe that some interpreters would not want to get involved with this kind of workshop. We had several workshop with them and learn more about them. They admit that they are not comfortable with CDI. Jeez. Kudos to those CDI who fought to be a CDI.

I have one more year to go before i take an exam.. I have not been practice on it. Oh well.
 
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