interpreter problems...

[coolgirlspyer90]

hey guys,
sorry it has been so long to talk to you, i've been busy with school and band. But i've been having problems with my currrent interpreter this past year.

I'll tell you a short story about my interpreter. I met my current interpreter when i was in the 6th grade, I was just starting middle school. The school systems always have me meet my interpreters. Anyways, it was during the summer, probably a week or 2 weeks before school started. I'll make up a name for my interpreter: Stephanie. Stephanie just graduated from college from sinclair community college for sign language. She wasn't a qualified interpreter yet, but the school somehow allowed her to interpret for me. she has been signing fine up until the 8th grade. Stephanie stopped signing and has been coming late into my classes and texting her boyfriend in class. As I entered High School, she has been doing the same habits. I have complained to my parents about her. The more she kept doing this habit, the worst it got. She started complaining to me about her personal life about how the teachers didn't like the way she dressed (she wears leggings, skirts, black high boots or heels, she would normally dress like a teenager) , about her boyfriend coming home late or about how she got into a fight with her boyfriend, about the school system, my friends, my teachers, and just talking bad stuff about my friends. Most of all she would become the dictator to the students in my class, she would tell them to be quiet and not talk and she would and i mean she WOULD literally give them a referral or detention to the students who did not behave in class. She always assume that i did not want to wear the FM system and I do want to wear it, but it hasn't been working lately. She just always assumes that i am making up excuses for not wearing the FM system. I have been using FM systems since i was in kindergarten and I know if its working or not. She would threaten me to call my parents if i have not wear the FM system. When she has a problem with me about something, she just says it out loud in a huge outburst, allowing everybody in my classroom (i go to a hearing public school by the way) to hear instead of keeping it into a private conversation. When that happens, I want to crawl into a hole and never come out, I would come home crying and not want to go to school. My friends have come up to me and told me that they do NOT like my interpreter at all. My parents have already complained to the school about my current interpreter but they have kept hiring her back. My mother have told me that the school hires their own interpreters, they don't have an agency that they can use for Deaf or Hard of Hearing services. I personally think its stupid, My school system is very cheap and they do not like spending money at all for FM systems, but they don't like paying for interpreters especially. I have already reached my limit and i don't know where else to go. If my current interpreter comes back again next year I am not going to be a very happy student.

 

[shel90]

The school is failing to meet your needs if it was stated on your IEP that u must have a qualified interpreter. If it is stated, you can file a grievance.

 

[rockin'robin]

She has been working with you for many years, right?....So, it's my guess, even tho' it's not the right thing to do...is she is gone past her professionalism and feeling "too comfortable" with you....

I have a "friend"...and she is also an intrepretor, and she works with me occasionally...we enjoy each other very much, joking, etc....However, she keeps it "professional" when she is intrepreting for me and I like it that way!

Perhaps this intrepretor you have is "just burned out"....??....Maybe an intervention is necessary, I'd ask for one.

 

[BLeGal2]

All interpreters in my area are required to be registered at the Deaf, Hard of hearing, and Senior Disabilities Center (whether or not they are a registered interpreter with the state). We sign up there that way they have a record of us, where we learned from, and our state scores if taken a test. You should call your local disabilities center and complain to them. If she is not registered there she will be fired immediately. All interpreters if they are going to be interpreting (state registered or not) must be signed up at their local disabilities center and that is where formal complaints can be issued. If someone is having trouble with an interpreter they can call there, give their interpreters name, and they can add it to her file not to send her to you any more, and if she isn't registered then she is in much more trouble.
The reason your school is allowing her to work is because interpreters are scarce right now and as long as they say they will be taking the test, they can work, but they need to be signed up at their local disabilities office.
Try calling there.

 

[Reba]

All interpreters in my area are required to be registered at the Deaf, Hard of hearing, and Senior Disabilities Center (whether or not they are a registered interpreter with the state). We sign up there that way they have a record of us, where we learned from, and our state scores if taken a test. You should call your local disabilities center and complain to them. If she is not registered there she will be fired immediately. All interpreters if they are going to be interpreting (state registered or not) must be signed up at their local disabilities center and that is where formal complaints can be issued. If someone is having trouble with an interpreter they can call there, give their interpreters name, and they can add it to her file not to send her to you any more, and if she isn't registered then she is in much more trouble.
The reason your school is allowing her to work is because interpreters are scarce right now and as long as they say they will be taking the test, they can work, but they need to be signed up at their local disabilities office.
Try calling there.

Not all states require interpreters to register with a disabilities center.

 

[Reba]

hey guys,
sorry it has been so long to talk to you, i've been busy with school and band. But i've been having problems with my currrent interpreter this past year.

It seems that you've had a long school year of problems with this interpreter. It's too bad that the school year is now over without any resolution for you. I hope that this situation can be fixed before you start school again this fall.

I'll tell you a short story about my interpreter. I met my current interpreter when i was in the 6th grade, I was just starting middle school. The school systems always have me meet my interpreters. Anyways, it was during the summer, probably a week or 2 weeks before school started. I'll make up a name for my interpreter: Stephanie. Stephanie just graduated from college from sinclair community college for sign language. She wasn't a qualified interpreter yet, but the school somehow allowed her to interpret for me. she has been signing fine up until the 8th grade. Stephanie stopped signing and has been coming late into my classes and texting her boyfriend in class. As I entered High School, she has been doing the same habits.

Another good reason for interpreters to NOT follow deaf students from one school level to the next. Deaf students should be exposed to more than one interpreter, and they should all be qualified.

I'm surprised that the school allows any staff members to text during class. The schools for which I've worked do not allow texting during class, and that includes teachers and terps.

I have complained to my parents about her. The more she kept doing this habit, the worst it got.

Did your parents complain to the school? If they did, what kind of response did they get?

She started complaining to me about her personal life about how the teachers didn't like the way she dressed (she wears leggings, skirts, black high boots or heels, she would normally dress like a teenager) , about her boyfriend coming home late or about how she got into a fight with her boyfriend, about the school system, my friends, my teachers, and just talking bad stuff about my friends.

Did she do all this chat during class time? If so, what did the teacher do about it?

Most of all she would become the dictator to the students in my class, she would tell them to be quiet and not talk and she would and i mean she WOULD literally give them a referral or detention to the students who did not behave in class.

I'm really surprised that the teachers allowed her to interfere with their roles.

It almost seems that your teachers are asleep or not present in class.

She always assume that i did not want to wear the FM system and I do want to wear it, but it hasn't been working lately. She just always assumes that i am making up excuses for not wearing the FM system. I have been using FM systems since i was in kindergarten and I know if its working or not. She would threaten me to call my parents if i have not wear the FM system.

I would call her bluff on that. If you have explained to your parents about the FM system, then if she calls them they will know that she's lying about the situation.

Why do you continue to suffer with a system that doesn't work? What is the school's excuse for not fixing the system?

When she has a problem with me about something, she just says it out loud in a huge outburst, allowing everybody in my classroom (i go to a hearing public school by the way) to hear instead of keeping it into a private conversation. When that happens, I want to crawl into a hole and never come out, I would come home crying and not want to go to school.

She acting very unprofessionally, and I'm surprised that she has not yet been disciplined by the administration. Is no one complaining to the administration? Is the administration ignoring complaints? If so, your parents might need to go to the school board directly.

My friends have come up to me and told me that they do NOT like my interpreter at all. My parents have already complained to the school about my current interpreter but they have kept hiring her back. My mother have told me that the school hires their own interpreters, they don't have an agency that they can use for Deaf or Hard of Hearing services. I personally think its stupid, My school system is very cheap and they do not like spending money at all for FM systems, but they don't like paying for interpreters especially. I have already reached my limit and i don't know where else to go. If my current interpreter comes back again next year I am not going to be a very happy student.

Ah, now I see that your parents DID complain, and the school administration failed to respond in a proper manner.

I'm afraid your parents are going to have to go higher than the school. They need to go to the local school board now so that things will be resolved before fall. If they don't respond, then your parents might have to go to the state level, and make this a legal complaint.

I don't know how large your community is, or how many terps are available in the area. The school is definitely not meeting your needs, and it might take a struggle to get what you need but it will be worth it.

One problem is that your terp started working in a public school system fresh out of college. She probably got a good contract with the schools. If she had to work in the community as a freelance terp she would have found out real fast that her nonprofessional behavior would leave her unemployed (word spreads in the Deaf community about lousy terps).

Your "terp" needs a good dose of reality.

Send her to me, heh, heh.

Seriously, I hope you can get this situation resolved.

 

[BLeGal2]

Not all states require interpreters to register with a disabilities center.

They should at least check it out to see if they have to in their state.

 

[lovezebras]

When I had probs at school my mom was the type that took no bs...my mom has had teachers in tears and demoted before..not that I'd go that far but when it comes to my education my mom doesn't eff around ....you should double check what your IEP says in regards to terps and such cuz if she isn't deemed an actual terp than I don't think she counts as one for educational purposes

 

[Reba]

Some possible resources:

About.com: http://www.oaccd.org/

advocacy

Welcome | Ohio Legal Rights Service

DNOSInformation

Free Appropriate Public Education under Section 504

https://www.centerville.k12.oh.us/Superintendent

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

It seems that you've had a long school year of problems with this interpreter. It's too bad that the school year is now over without any resolution for you. I hope that this situation can be fixed before you start school again this fall.


Another good reason for interpreters to NOT follow deaf students from one school level to the next. Deaf students should be exposed to more than one interpreter, and they should all be qualified.

I'm surprised that the school allows any staff members to text during class. The schools for which I've worked do not allow texting during class, and that includes teachers and terps.


Did your parents complain to the school? If they did, what kind of response did they get?


Did she do all this chat during class time? If so, what did the teacher do about it?


I'm really surprised that the teachers allowed her to interfere with their roles.

It almost seems that your teachers are asleep or not present in class.


I would call her bluff on that. If you have explained to your parents about the FM system, then if she calls them they will know that she's lying about the situation.

Why do you continue to suffer with a system that doesn't work? What is the school's excuse for not fixing the system?


She acting very unprofessionally, and I'm surprised that she has not yet been disciplined by the administration. Is no one complaining to the administration? Is the administration ignoring complaints? If so, your parents might need to go to the school board directly.


Ah, now I see that your parents DID complain, and the school administration failed to respond in a proper manner.

I'm afraid your parents are going to have to go higher than the school. They need to go to the local school board now so that things will be resolved before fall. If they don't respond, then your parents might have to go to the state level, and make this a legal complaint.

I don't know how large your community is, or how many terps are available in the area. The school is definitely not meeting your needs, and it might take a struggle to get what you need but it will be worth it.

One problem is that your terp started working in a public school system fresh out of college. She probably got a good contract with the schools. If she had to work in the community as a freelance terp she would have found out real fast that her nonprofessional behavior would leave her unemployed (word spreads in the Deaf community about lousy terps).

Your "terp" needs a good dose of reality.

Send her to me, heh, heh.

Seriously, I hope you can get this situation resolved.

Thanks!

according to what you said, my school does NOT allow texting. My teachers never texts. I never seen them text during school except for my interpreter. My interpreter would always leave the classroom to go to the bathroom and to leave early from school to get out of the busy parking lot. we finish school around 2:51. she leaves about 2:40. I have already reached my limit with her. I basically don't know what else to do. I want to be happy with school and have a good time. But my current interpreter isn't making anything easier for me. My parents have called her to figure stuff out about what has been going on. And i know she will win because shes the adult and i'm a minor. I really really want a new interpreter. But yes my parents have called the school to complain. OH also get this, have i mention the school has failed to find me an sub-interpreter when my current interpreter is gone? my current interpreter was the responsible person to call for a sub. I am basically VERY fustrated right now. And basically losing all hope. I almost failed my biology and history classes from my finals because my interpreter never signed. when i look at my interpreter with a face that says: "please sign" she wouldn't, instead she would smile and look at the teacher and listen to him and just basically FLIRT with my teachers, and they're married!! I've been going on the NAD (National Association Of the Deaf) website to find some resources to get the school to get me a new interpreter. i found a few. I've been writing the resources down into my notebook to keep for further use.

Basically if i have her again next year, i'm not going to be very happy, as well as my friends too. My friends HAVE come up to me saying they do not like her. Because she acts like the dictator in the classroom. My parents have found out that interpreters aren't allowed to do that kind of stuff. and like you said she is acting very unprofessionally. I don't want to go to a different school. Because of my band that i've been in, i love it. And i don't want to give up on this band. But honestly, I don't care much for this interpreter right now. I rather get a new one.

 

[rockin'robin]

When I had probs at school my mom was the type that took no bs...my mom has had teachers in tears and demoted before..not that I'd go that far but when it comes to my education my mom doesn't eff around ....you should double check what your IEP says in regards to terps and such cuz if she isn't deemed an actual terp than I don't think she counts as one for educational purposes

Good for ur Mom!...She and I would get along famously!...My boys education comes first, and I've had some pretty nasty encounters with their teachers in the past.

 

[Anij]

You and your mom should request (demand politely) a meeting with whomever is in charge of the Hoh/Deaf program at your school, the principal, and the school division/district person who is in charge of hiring / assigning interpreters ... all of you need to get together at a SINGLE meeting (have them hire a QUALIFIED INTERPRETER for the meeting - not an "educational interpreter"... or tell them you'll arrange the interpreter and the school or division/district reimburses you)

Not only is it VERY important that you have someone who's actaully properly qualified at this point (the course material is getting more complicated as are concepts - it is your RIGHT to have someone who is properly trained and licensed!!) , but also it's clear that this particular interpreter is no longer working out - or doing her job (which is strictly to interpret ... none of this "ohh my clothes aren't right & my boyfriend just texted me and he's such a jerk" stuff is acceptable and needs to stop .... yesterday!!

If you call a formal meeting, with a PROPER interpreter they will HAVE to take the situation more seriously ... basically the higher up the "political ladder" you go the more they HAVE to respond. Be aware at some point the school will likely have to call a meeting with your current interpreter, yourself, your mum etc.... when this happens make sure to DEMAND that they arrange for a licensed interpreter for YOU (don't let them assign another school interpreter or your current interpreter as the official interpreter for ANY meetings.Period.)


I really hope that helps

Keep fighting, (politely, but firmly)

record everything, (keep a note of whenever she does anything "off topic" (texts etc)

be honest (don't exaggerate etc, but tell the truth)

don't settle for anything other than the equal access you are entitled to legally (which means a proper interpreter)

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

You and your mom should request (demand politely) a meeting with whomever is in charge of the Hoh/Deaf program at your school, the principal, and the school division/district person who is in charge of hiring / assigning interpreters ... all of you need to get together at a SINGLE meeting (have them hire a QUALIFIED INTERPRETER for the meeting - not an "educational interpreter"... or tell them you'll arrange the interpreter and the school or division/district reimburses you)

Not only is it VERY important that you have someone who's actaully properly qualified at this point (the course material is getting more complicated as are concepts - it is your RIGHT to have someone who is properly trained and licensed!!) , but also it's clear that this particular interpreter is no longer working out - or doing her job (which is strictly to interpret ... none of this "ohh my clothes aren't right & my boyfriend just texted me and he's such a jerk" stuff is acceptable and needs to stop .... yesterday!!

If you call a formal meeting, with a PROPER interpreter they will HAVE to take the situation more seriously ... basically the higher up the "political ladder" you go the more they HAVE to respond. Be aware at some point the school will likely have to call a meeting with your current interpreter, yourself, your mum etc.... when this happens make sure to DEMAND that they arrange for a licensed interpreter for YOU (don't let them assign another school interpreter or your current interpreter as the official interpreter for ANY meetings.Period.)


I really hope that helps

Keep fighting, (politely, but firmly)

record everything, (keep a note of whenever she does anything "off topic" (texts etc)

be honest (don't exaggerate etc, but tell the truth)

don't settle for anything other than the equal access you are entitled to legally (which means a proper interpreter)

Thats kind of the problem here. I try to stand up for myself against my current interpreter. Because I am always afraid to get myself into trouble with a teacher or any other adult. When i'm in school, I do not want to get into trouble. But my parents told me that when my interpreter threatens me to call them about whatever situation, my parents told me to let her call them. My deaf friends have told me to ignore her, or not say anything to her at all. Heres an example of what happened recently with my interpreter. 3 weeks ago i was having exams at school, and it was only 1 day before school ended. Before we do the exams we always have an half hour or an hour review individually or as a class before we began the exam. When i came into the math room, my interpreter was there surprisingly in time. The review begin and my math teacher asked where my FM system was at. And i replied that it was charging in the band room. (i always charge my FM system in my school's band room because i use my band locker for everyday use) My math teacher gave me an annoyed look and told me to go get it. When I came back, my interpreter wanted me to tell her why i didn't want to wear the FM system. I did, but i just didn't know we were going to have to use it for this review, because they never told us a week before that we would have a class review for the exam before we took it. I didn't want to say anything, I just wanted to focus on the review. My interpreter did not let me review for my exam until i told her something. I still didn't say anything, and at that point i had finally reached my limit with her, i decided that i want a new interpreter, period. I still didn't say anything at that time and she replied: "thats it, i'm calling your parents.". I shrugged my shoulders like I didn't care what she did. She got out her phone and like basically texted. she continued to make me give her an answer and i finally replied saying that I didn't know we needed to use it. and she assumed that i was giving the teacher an attiude. which was not true at all. She finally let me go after about 20 minutes of this struggle. And i wanted to cry inside. After the review, we were given a 10 minute break. I went out of the classroom and my friend stopped me and asked me whats wrong. i told her about my problem and she said: "shes a B***h, we all know that." which was true. definately true. I did cry a little bit in the halllway because of the trouble with my current interpreter. But i seriously want her to be gone.

 

[A]

Personally, if she is such a bad interpreter, do you really need her? i don't understand why everyong is giving you so much trouble. Is it because they don't think need her the reason why?


Also, I never had to wear my FM system when I was in middle and high school (I didn't wear it at all, I was very comfortable with my BTE). This is just shocking that everyone is giving you a hard time about it. It is your choice and responsiblity to wear a FM and it is none of their business as long as you are doing ok in class.

 

[Reba]

This so-called interpreter either doesn't know or else chooses to ignore interpreter ethics, standards of practice, and role.

Does she claim to be certified? If so, you can make a formal complaint to RID.

Have your parents asked the school to send in someone to observe the "terp" in the classroom?

Are there any other deaf students or interpreters at your school?

 

[Anij]

You've tried to handle this yourself - now you and your mom need to formally handle this with the school and school board so that things are rectified for next year.

Your interpreter is NOT another teacher or someone whom you report for ...they WORK for you and for the School ...period. They aren't allowed to "20 questions" you - they sign what is voiced, and voice what is signed. Period. End Story.

You and your mom need to talk about what you need in an interpreter at this point in your education and then push -push-push until the school gets you a proper interpreter.

You aren't going to be able to do this on your own, you need to involve you mom and have her set up a proper "formal review" of your interpretive needs, IEP etc.

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

This so-called interpreter either doesn't know or else chooses to ignore interpreter ethics, standards of practice, and role.

Does she claim to be certified? If so, you can make a formal complaint to RID.

Have your parents asked the school to send in someone to observe the "terp" in the classroom?

Are there any other deaf students or interpreters at your school?

There is no other deaf students or other interpreters in my school. I'm the only deaf student in school. She graduated from Sinclair Community College when i first met her. I'm not quite sure if she is certified to be an interpreter. But she is also STILL in school, she is going to Wright State University--online classes for her master degree. The school has also failed to find me a sub interpreter, its mainly my current interpreter to find me a sub.We have had someone observe my interpreter in my math class. She signed the whole thing when someone sent her in to observe her. But once she left, my interpreter stopped signing. the special education supervisor have sent an email to my teachers asking about my interpreter, they all gave positive emails about my interpreter, and i highly don't believe them. My interpreter works 2 jobs and works with me. She complains about everything ALL the time. so theres no else to get rid of her. the school hires a list of private interpreters. They don't have an agency to use for interpreters.

 

[ASLGAL]

Sinclair has a very good ITP. I am assuming everything you have talked about is exactly so, know that "Stephanie" is not the norm. I am sure her professors would be upset and embarrassed to hear how their student has behaved.

Keep complaining. This is your education and your emotional well-being. Push for a new interpreter. Once trust, confidence, and comfort is gone there is no getting it back.

 

[Reba]

There is no other deaf students or other interpreters in my school. I'm the only deaf student in school. She graduated from Sinclair Community College when i first met her. I'm not quite sure if she is certified to be an interpreter.

Your parents can ask if she is certified, and she must reply. If she says that she is, then she must prove it by showing you the certification.

But she is also STILL in school, she is going to Wright State University--online classes for her master degree.

She has a bachelor's degree in interpreting? Amazing. She certainly isn't behaving as though she was an educated terp.

The school has also failed to find me a sub interpreter, its mainly my current interpreter to find me a sub.

Unsat. Sometimes school terps recommend sub terps but the bottom line is the school is responsible for providing you with interpreting services.

We have had someone observe my interpreter in my math class. She signed the whole thing when someone sent her in to observe her. But once she left, my interpreter stopped signing. the special education supervisor have sent an email to my teachers asking about my interpreter, they all gave positive emails about my interpreter, and i highly don't believe them.

Either your teachers don't know what good interpreting is all about or they don't care enough to make waves. That's very disappointing.

My interpreter works 2 jobs and works with me. She complains about everything ALL the time. so theres no else to get rid of her. the school hires a list of private interpreters. They don't have an agency to use for interpreters.

I'm sorry that you're having such a struggle. I'm afraid that your parents are going to have to fight for your services this summer, even to the extent of taking legal recourse.

Also, I would say that your school terp does NOT work with you. It sounds like she's working against you.

Even with certification and a degree it doesn't seem like she's in a field that she enjoys or is qualified for. That is such a shame.

Certification is not a guarantee that you'll get a qualified terp but it does provide you recourse for complaints.



Now's the time to learn how to assert your rights for quality interpreters. If you continue on to college and require a terp for those classes you will be experienced in getting what you need.

 

[shel90]

Your parents can ask if she is certified, and she must reply. If she says that she is, then she must prove it by showing you the certification.


She has a bachelor's degree in interpreting? Amazing. She certainly isn't behaving as though she was an educated terp.


Unsat. Sometimes school terps recommend sub terps but the bottom line is the school is responsible for providing you with interpreting services.


Either your teachers don't know what good interpreting is all about or they don't care enough to make waves. That's very disappointing.


I'm sorry that you're having such a struggle. I'm afraid that your parents are going to have to fight for your services this summer, even to the extent of taking legal recourse.

Also, I would say that your school terp does NOT work with you. It sounds like she's working against you.

Even with certification and a degree it doesn't seem like she's in a field that she enjoys or is qualified for. That is such a shame.

Certification is not a guarantee that you'll get a qualified terp but it does provide you recourse for complaints.



Now's the time to learn how to assert your rights for quality interpreters. If you continue on to college and require a terp for those classes you will be experienced in getting what you need.

*offtopic*
That's why I dont believe in NCLB making teachers get "highly qualified" certifications because it doesnt guarantee that all of them will act in a professional manner.

I agree with Reba on all points..