Interpreter's salary

[VamPyroX]

I wouldn't accept a tip. God knows I charge enough for my services. lol

Hahaha...

Well, if I liked the interpreter... I would inform that interpreter how much I appreciate the interpreting and pass the word along to other friends about how good this interpreter is.

I did that for a few interpreters at RIT. This actually made them look forward to interpreting for me later on. "Oh, this is his class! Great, I'll interpret this class!"

 

[Jeff_Andum]

Well...Grummer seems like quite the a-hole. Again, he makes other Deaf people look bad bc of his views. He is the typical grass roots Deaf person who listens to his group of buddies, and spouts off whatever kind of nonsense they tell him. Be a leader not a follower. Without any facts or evidence, he is making some ridiculous accusations. He probably sits home all day on SSI/SSDI and thinks of ways how he will stir the pot or how to get back at hearing people. Hey idiot, the interpreters are on YOUR side. If you want to get mad at someone, get mad at the hearing businesses or people that DO put you down. Deaf people that bitch and moan like you, give everyone else a bad name.

You must have got beatin up a lot as a kid. Get into some activities or will end up a miserable person for the rest of your life!

 

[Reba]

On other hand, we shouldn't let 'deaf culture way' of expressing gratiude or being grateful for interpreters, because interpreters are not our freinds, they are just loving their salarys and 'exciting parts of their jobs' we deafs gets mroe screwed... where's a good career for deaf people , apart from shitting on other deaf people in the face of 'service providers' they make me sick..... I hate them , while the self-serving deaf service coordinators claims they 'knows deaf needs' BULLSHIT they just follow orders and carry out need assessment which is nothing more than finding out the 'essential requirement' just to get pass the 'old social work standards' while maintaining control and oppression on deaf people

Terps know it all too well, being tipped in a deaf way it just a sneaky way to conceal their real status, as an exploitative one, preserving their approval (of their oppressive professional status). (Same goes for you CODAs).

Deaf people should realise big words like require, consent, form, appropriate, assessment, client are big words sure and were deliberately chosen to make deaf people feel 'important' when really they are not, just numbers and names in use for those have control. Deaf people shouldn't and shall not submit into their control.

Service providers or relations officers or Employment consultancy is just a few new big career for deaf people bent on power and 'do well' in maintaining a professional face are being applauded by hearing oppressors in in the name of the 'needs control industry', its just a cheaper more effective means of social control for the government to use traitorous deaf ambitous individuals replacing the old social welfare model when it was previously wer long-standing and now deemed politically incorrent 'mode of agency' not fitting in the current 'mode of production' in which follows much closer now to the information industry. Nothing more and nothing less.

So fuck you interpreters, stop pandering on your so esteemed professionalism, better re-think your priority on how your profession is organised, better start becoming an alliance to the Deaf community for deaf rights and too bad if this seems to compromise your position for secured income, in fact it wont be so, because with more d/Deaf out in the real world actually fully participated your interpreting service will indeed get more boost (WHILE d/Deaf people are not exploited in extremes as well the inflexibility to access service would decline SHARPLY, but nope, conventional thinking says oppression is good, and said to be good for your income . what is the hell is wrong with you all??

Reba said "Interpreters can turn down assignments; they don't have to put up with abuse. If a consumer constantly offends interpreters, and one after another they turn down assignments with that consumer, then that consumer may find himself without any qualified interpreters available."

Well i disagree I do not believe interpreters should prejudge the deaf person based on gossips or reputation of that deaf person, (well there are exception) but like if a deaf person happens to show a racist comment or seemed to be angry, its really none of the intepreters business they can't play god, in much the same way as doctor can't refuse to aid sick gang members in the Emergency department for that don't know the full story, (neither full story should have anything to do with it anyway) , Interpreters shouldn't play god afterall they LEARNT Our language and they in principle have NO rights to demand monetary exchange and having full control of their 'service' my ass.

I happen to know an terp who declined to terp for a guy i know on the basis that he dont like a ethnic group, boasted of his dislike at deafclubs, thing is it has nothing to do that terps' life that he didnt like this group, funny thing is he didnt happen to belong a Nazi party or such, apparently it was discovered that this particular terp did some terping assignment for that illiterate low functioning deafie who claimed to be in a neo-nazi gang (his brother happen to be a member not really him) yet this terp was willing to work for him which i think its on the basis of pity - becuase of his lowly functionin skills. That should also be indicative to highlight where's the boundary of Deafness and Disability overlapps - hell the Terp shouldnt even play God.

That terp should be off the professional dock, as there was no consistency or professionalism on her party, just her petty 'deafie-wannabe-' attitude is all so PC , but then there is a lack of consistency for that BEING a out-right wannabe-Nazi is actually worse than saying he doesnt like a particular group. (Are terps so special? ):sure: like do they need PC people to 'protect them'

Now that's off your chest, do you feel better?

 

[Reba]

...Reba said "Interpreters can turn down assignments; they don't have to put up with abuse. If a consumer constantly offends interpreters, and one after another they turn down assignments with that consumer, then that consumer may find himself without any qualified interpreters available."

Since you mention my post specifically, I suppose I should reply.

Well i disagree I do not believe interpreters should prejudge the deaf person based on gossips or reputation of that deaf person

I agree that an interpreter should not judge a client on the basis of gossip or reputation. In fact, I prefer not nothing anything about a client ahead of time if it's not relevant to the assignment. Relevant information would be such things as language preference, low-vision, voicing or not voicing, etc.

My point was, if a deaf client constantly "fires" terps, or terps constantly refuse repeat assignments from that client because of the abuse they experience, soon the client will run out of available local terps. That has nothing to do with gossip. I don't tell other terps about my opinions of my clients, and they don't tell me about their's.

This may be hard for you to accept but when terps get together, gossiping about their clients is not the topic of choice. We really have more interesting topics to chat about.

...(well there are exception) but like if a deaf person happens to show a racist comment or seemed to be angry, its really none of the intepreters business they can't play god, in much the same way as doctor can't refuse to aid sick gang members in the Emergency department for that don't know the full story, (neither full story should have anything to do with it anyway) , Interpreters shouldn't play god afterall they LEARNT Our language and they in principle have NO rights to demand monetary exchange and having full control of their 'service' my ass.

I wasn't referring to the client's personal prejudices, or attitude about the situation in which the interpreting is taking place. I'm talking about the deaf client's direct abuse of the interpreter during the assignment, especially if it interferes with the communication process. Unless I was physically endangered, I wouldn't leave in the middle of an assignment. However, if it seems that issues between the client and myself couldn't be resolved, then I would certainly think twice about accepting future assignments with that particular client. Like you said, interpreters aren't gods, we are humans. Normal humans don't want to intentionally put themselves into situations where they know they will be abused.

I happen to know an terp who declined to terp for a guy i know on the basis that he dont like a ethnic group

That isn't the same thing that I was talking about. No one should be turned down simply on the basis of ethnicity. I was talking about personal behavior, not personal background.

 

[Grummer]

Actually, I'm just quoting your posts to make sure you don't edit them later. Often people with such controversial views wish they hadn't said them. Also, I think you're being a complete dick, spouting off opinions as truth without facts, quotes, and substantiation, so I just want to make sure everybody gets to see what an asshat you are.

I didnt need to edit, of course these is a serious lack of substantiation, as this view I just expressed be would very radical, quite rightly so as you said there is a lack of quotes, and facts and figures. But this doesnt mean I can't say it, and it certainly doesn't mean it is not verifiable, it just needs time, and more exposure and more truth will come out on how inflexible interpreting sevices really are, as does as how finanically exploitative it really is. And there is a lot more to it than just fees, it is about the whole relationship dynamics and how it all fits with society.

Deaf Cultural politices are to blame for messing this up, well specifically, in which they TOTALLY DENY the elements of how Deaf people as being actually disabled. Many service industries, including interpreters takes advantages of it, and trust me you will find some substantiation, in time.

 

[Grummer]

Since you mention my post specifically, I suppose I should reply.

I agree that an interpreter should not judge a client on the basis of gossip or reputation. In fact, I prefer not nothing anything about a client ahead of time if it's not relevant to the assignment. Relevant information would be such things as language preference, low-vision, voicing or not voicing, etc.

That's right

My point was, if a deaf client constantly "fires" terps, or terps constantly refuse repeat assignments from that client because of the abuse they experience, soon the client will run out of available local terps. That has nothing to do with gossip. I don't tell other terps about my opinions of my clients, and they don't tell me about their's.

Sad, isn't it, due to a crass lack of available interpreters, all are too expensive and they like it, after all its a niche market in the disabilty industry. Exclusiveness commands high privileges. Whats more, course fees for such training to be interpreters are quite high, as does the course requirements are stringent as well in its due course. This recreates the dire situation of the lack of interpreters. It is compelling to wonder if this level of competency is overshot, or over emphasised, for that what seemed to be 'something' made more difficult to achieve hence to justify that exclusive position. Hard to put to words, but its like, a contrived catch-22, by making it seem real, misinforming everybody in the deaf community, government departments, education institutions and of course, intepreter newcomers to perceive it to be a profession of high status which it is not. While on other hand, there are such things as cost of living and that perks should be obtainable if one chosen to seek a career in this one. But like the whole thing about acknowledging the deaf people's plight all becomes an afterthought, or even pushed down into denial. This is not unique to SL interpreters, this situation is VERY common, it premeates much through the medical professions of all kinds, as well as many service/ hospitality sectors.

This may be hard for you to accept but when terps get together, gossiping about their clients is not the topic of choice. We really have more interesting topics to chat about.

Of course, interpreters likes to do 'safe talk' such as bragging about their husbands/wives/ where they went to have their holidays, , what were their latest purchases, living on the other side, living a 'good life' because you 'earned' it.

I wasn't referring to the client's personal prejudices, or attitude about the situation in which the interpreting is taking place. I'm talking about the deaf client's direct abuse of the interpreter during the assignment, especially if it interferes with the communication process. Unless I was physically endangered, I wouldn't leave in the middle of an assignment. However, if it seems that issues between the client and myself couldn't be resolved, then I would certainly think twice about accepting future assignments with that particular client. Like you said, interpreters aren't gods, we are humans. Normal humans don't want to intentionally put themselves into situations where they know they will be abused.

how come this interpreter actually did work for the neo-nazi wannabe, than a normal person who just didnt like one group without a deeper, more dangerous political affliation? this is dodgy in anyone's language

you should read it again, the one who actually raved about being a neo-nazi is actually more dangerous than this other individual who, just happen to pronounced an 'inappropriate opinion' according to the fashionable 'anti-racist' PC dialouges.

Whereas by conventional wisdom, a desire to Belong to such Hate groups IS actually worse than making statements who they don't like.

That isn't the same thing that I was talking about. No one should be turned down simply on the basis of ethnicity. I was talking about personal behavior, not personal background.

you didnt read it properly either, that person was refused service Before any service was received at all, it has nothing to do with personal behaviour or 'previous experience,' or should i say 'previous encounter', he told me about it

 

[Grummer]

I'm still trying to figure out how it is that a terp is not standing up for the rights of the Deaf/deaf to use the language they mode they prefer. All this is about the right to use ASL. A terp faccilitates the upholding of that right.

Of course, you could insist on using ASL with people who don't know the language, and you will still have your right to use it upheld. But communication wouldn't get far without interpretation.

Everyone seems to forget that a terp is not there to "serve" the deaf individual only. The terp is there to facillitate communication between the deaf and the hearing. The interpretation is as much for the hearing person who does not know ASL as it is for the deaf person that uses ASL.

And, more often than not, it is the hearing instituiton, not the deaf individual that employs the interpreter. The ADA requires it. Therefore, the contract is between the person paying the terp, and the terp themselves, or the terp's agency.

The deaf have every right to insist that they be permitted to communicate in ASL. However, they cannot force that choice on everyone else. Therefore, if you accept the right to use ASL, you also accept the consequence that, as a result of your choice, you will sometimes need interpretation when deling with people who don't choose ASL as their primary means of communication. If you dont like having to use a terp, then stop insisting on the right to use ASL as your primary means of communication. Such a choice not only involves freedom for you, but it involves taking the responsibility for your choice, as well.

yes, you're getting warmer in there Jill.
but it's more than about 'choice' to use, it more about choice over how it's done too

 

[Etoile]

Of course, interpreters likes to do 'safe talk' such as bragging about their husbands/wives/ where they went to have their holidays, , what were their latest purchases, living on the other side, living a 'good life' because you 'earned' it.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Okay now pull the other one!

In other words: You're kidding, right? Do you actually BELIEVE this? If so, you're not just a dick, you're an idiot. Come ON. You can't be serious. Normal people aren't this insane.

 

[jasin]

That can work both ways.

Interpreters can turn down assignments; they don't have to put up with abuse. If a consumer constantly offends interpreters, and one after another they turn down assignments with that consumer, then that consumer may find himself without any qualified interpreters available.

It's to the benefit of all parties concerned to have mutual respect. If there is a constant feeling of animosity from the interpreter, the deaf consumer, or the hearing consumer, then communication will be hindered.

Thats fine, but a disability office cannot leave a deaf student without an interpreter when one is requested and needed. I personally know this first hand because they tried doing it to me. I got their asses in trouble too with the head of the language department, the sbctc, and the ocr.

 

[Reba]

Thats fine, but a disability office cannot leave a deaf student without an interpreter when one is requested and needed. I personally know this first hand because they tried doing it to me. I got their asses in trouble too with the head of the language department, the sbctc, and the ocr.

Please clarify for me; what is the sbctc and the ocr? What does the head of the language department have to do with you getting an interpreter?

 

[jillio]

yes, you're getting warmer in there Jill.
but it's more than about 'choice' to use, it more about choice over how it's done too

But that choice is already available. If you choose to use ASL only, you have the choice of either communicating with those who only use ASL, or if you choose to communicate with those who don't use ASL, to use a terp.

You also have choices regarding your use of English. If, for instance, you choose to use ASL as your primary means of communication, yet wish to communicate with someone who does not use ASL, you can utilize pen and paper or text pager or email to communcate with them in English, at which point, you can bypass the need for a terp.

What I am basically saying is that freedom of choice entails personal responsibility.

 

[jillio]

Thats fine, but a disability office cannot leave a deaf student without an interpreter when one is requested and needed. I personally know this first hand because they tried doing it to me. I got their asses in trouble too with the head of the language department, the sbctc, and the ocr.

The head of the language dept? What does the head of the language dept. have to do with institutional equity? The disability office is not governed by academic depts.

It is the disability office's responsibility to find another terp if one refuses an assignment. It doesn't fall on the terp to take an assignment they don't want. And I would imagine that your disability office has a tough time keeping terps assigned to you with your nasty attitude.

 

[jillio]

Please clarify for me; what is the sbctc and the ocr? What does the head of the language department have to do with you getting an interpreter?

Absolutely nothing.

 

[Reba]

Sad, isn't it, due to a crass lack of available interpreters, all are too expensive and they like it, after all its a niche market in the disabilty industry. Exclusiveness commands high privileges.

Maybe the situation is different in your location. I don't know.

I can't speak for others but my services are not "too expensive" for colleges, doctors, hospitals, social service agencies, and work places to pay me. they can afford it as a cost of doing business. Very rarely does a deaf person pay for my services, and that's usually in barter, not cash.

I don't know about any "high privileges" unless you count the staff parking decal that I finally got. Or maybe it's that yuckiest, wobbliest "borrowed" chair that I get in each classroom for my exalted seating.

Whats more, course fees for such training to be interpreters are quite high, as does the course requirements are stringent as well in its due course. This recreates the dire situation of the lack of interpreters.

No more so than students in any field. The education required for just about any profession is not cheap.

It is compelling to wonder if this level of competency is overshot, or over emphasised, for that what seemed to be 'something' made more difficult to achieve hence to justify that exclusive position. Hard to put to words, but its like, a contrived catch-22, by making it seem real, misinforming everybody in the deaf community, government departments, education institutions and of course, intepreter newcomers to perceive it to be a profession of high status which it is not.

So what exactly is your complaint and solution? That interpreting isn't a high status profession? Should it be raised? That competency is over emphasized? Should competency standards be lowered?

While on other hand, there are such things as cost of living and that perks should be obtainable if one chosen to seek a career in this one. But like the whole thing about acknowledging the deaf people's plight all becomes an afterthought, or even pushed down into denial. This is not unique to SL interpreters, this situation is VERY common, it premeates much through the medical professions of all kinds, as well as many service/ hospitality sectors.

What is the connection between the cost of living and perks, with "acknowledging the deaf people's plight"?

Of course, interpreters likes to do 'safe talk' such as bragging about their husbands/wives/ where they went to have their holidays, what were their latest purchases, living on the other side, living a 'good life' because you 'earned' it.

You and I must live in two different worlds. If people are talking about their vacations and purchases, that isn't exclusive to interpreters. However, when I've socialized with other terps, we've never bragged about vacations or purchases. Most recently, some have shared with me their experiences with taking care of a dying mother, raising kids, health, house repairs, car problems, volunteer work at camp, and upcoming workshops.

Maybe I just don't hang out with those "living on the other side."

For myself, I might not even go on any vacation this year. I want to attend the biennial family reunion in CT but my work schedule won't allow it. It's not an exotic vacation to brag about but it's important to me.

I do confess to bragging about Hubby because he's a wonderful man.

how come this interpreter actually did work for the neo-nazi wannabe, than a normal person who just didnt like one group without a deeper, more dangerous political affliation? this is dodgy in anyone's language

I have no idea why that interpreter did anything. I can't speak for someone else's decisions. You'd have to ask that person.

you should read it again, the one who actually raved about being a neo-nazi is actually more dangerous than this other individual who, just happen to pronounced an 'inappropriate opinion' according to the fashionable 'anti-racist' PC dialouges.

Without knowing all the facts from both sides I wouldn't even attempt to sort out your anecdote.

Whereas by conventional wisdom, a desire to Belong to such Hate groups IS actually worse than making statements who they don't like.

As a terp on an assignment I would only know about the setting and behaviors that I observe; I wouldn't know about a client's desires or previous statements to other people.

you didnt read it properly either, that person was refused service Before any service was received at all, it has nothing to do with personal behaviour or 'previous experience,' or should i say 'previous encounter', he told me about it

Then you have a problem with that terp, not all terps.

Your statement was:
"I happen to know an terp who declined to terp for a guy i know on the basis that he dont like a ethnic group"

My reply was:
"That isn't the same thing that I was talking about. No one should be turned down simply on the basis of ethnicity. I was talking about personal behavior, not personal background."

So I will say again that no one should refuse an assignment simply on the basis of ethnicity.

BTW, that goes both ways. I have heard about deaf clients who specify race when requesting an interpreter. What about that?

Personally, I've had no problems with ethnicity as a question. Sometimes I'm the only white person in a group for which I'm interpreting. So what?

 

[jasin]

Please clarify for me; what is the sbctc and the ocr? What does the head of the language department have to do with you getting an interpreter?

Ocr is the office for civil rights. There is one at the US justice department and the Department of education.

 

[jillio]

ocr Is The Office For Civil Rights. There Is One At The Us Justice Department And The Department Of Education.

Lol!!

 

[Bottesini]

Ocr is the office for civil rights. There is one at the US justice department and the Department of education.

Office for Civil Rights

 

[jasin]

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section - NYAV
Washington, D.C. 20530
(800) 514-0383 (TTY)
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/drs/drshome.htm


Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
(202) 245-6800; 1-800-421-3481
Facsimile: (202) 245-6840
TDD: (877) 521-2172
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Web: Office for Civil Rights

 

[Reba]

Ocr is the office for civil rights. There is one at the US justice department and the Department of education.

OK. The only OCR that I had experience with was a form that had to be typed on a special typewriter.

 

[jasin]

OK. The only OCR that I had experience with was a form that had to be typed on a special typewriter.

I don't know about your situation, but people can file complaints online now.
Here's where a person would go to do that.
Electronic Complaint Form -- Office for Civil Rights