Oh....I agree..... I am fluent in ASL (for real), PSE, and in English and Spanish too. However, even though I am hearing and speak these three languages (and one "arificial" signing system) fluently, I don't consider myself qualified to be an interpreter. Because my fiancee was raised in an oral household (and it was abuse from her mom (who thinks she is the most perfect person in the world and DETESTS ASL or even signed English)), my fiancee doesn't think she needs/deserves a good interpreter during doctor visits if I go with her. I CAN interpret ASL quite well, better than most of those idiots they call interpreters. And these IDIOTS are CERTIFIED!!!!
I may be a pro-bono interpreter some day. (It's something I'm considering because I am sick of the shitty interpreting services we have now and because interpreters are too damn expensive for what they do...ASL interpreting isn't hard at all if you have a genuine interest in it. Those idiot interpreters, however, just want the money.). Several interpreters yelled at me for using ASL (when I "should be using my voice", they claim...), even with my fiancee in there. (My fiancee and I think it is best if I sign everything I say myself because it eliminates interpreter errors and translation losses.) I can't believe the stupidity I've seen in interpreters.
I might not want to get certified, though. You guys have to understand that certification means nothing. It's mostly bullshit.
I think interpreters need to be frequently spot-checked by Deaf people. The way it's done now is obviously not working. Those of you who are Deaf need to stand up. I can't do it for you! I believe you guys can live a much more stress-free life by threatening legal action because of interpreter problems. You shouldn't have to take it. Remember Gallaudet?
