Questions about interpreters for the deaf

[Liebling:-)))]

The vet told Cheri that she should seek somewhere else to take their pets and refusing to find another way to communicate. That right there shows discrimination.

Nothing about negiotiating prices....that wouldnt be discrimination. That would be between the vet and the agency.

Ah I got it. Yes, it's discrimination.

 

[Cheri]

The vet told Cheri that she should seek somewhere else to take their pets and refusing to find another way to communicate..

Yes, he did tried to communicate by writing down everything, that did not work because his hand-writing skills were very sloppy and was hard to read, he tried to talk slow, but that did not work either because he didn't make his mouth clear enough, he was more mumbling. I don't think he even wanted to try harder, I explained to him a numeric of times how to speak clearly, he never seems to get it. That was before the interpreter ever came, It was hopeless.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

But, I've never seen anyone paying the interpreter while I was there, they were only asked to signed a form.

Yes, here in Germany, too. Interpreters asked anyone and also me to sign a form to prove Agency that they are present before Agency pays them.

 

[Reba]

Well..some schools do hire and some do not. I lived in Montgomery county for 2 years and that is an extremely rich county so the school had no problems providing me an terp for anything. However, I moved to Anne Arundel county..more middle class, I had to fight with the schools to provide me a qualified terp. They did provide me a terp but it turned out to be their speech teacher who happened to know some signs. She was not fluent at all. I reported a complaint and the county said that they dont have money in their budget to provide parents terps and they are not responsilbe for providing me services for my needs like a doctor's office would be responsible. Ugh!

Need to fight with them some more like Angel did..maybe in another 3 years things will change. LOL!

I've interpreted at various public schools, three counties, for Deaf parents. The assignments included parent/teacher meetings, parent/counselor meetings, IEP meetings, parent/therapist meetings, school concerts, student award ceremonies, etc. I've never heard any of the schools complain about paying for my services. (The only complaint I hear is sometimes is about the amount of the fee charged by other agencies/companies.) The schools were in all economic brackets.

I guess the policies and attitudes vary from state to state.

 

[shel90]

I've interpreted at various public schools, three counties, for Deaf parents. The assignments included parent/teacher meetings, parent/counselor meetings, IEP meetings, parent/therapist meetings, school concerts, student award ceremonies, etc. I've never heard any of the schools complain about paying for my services. (The only complaint I hear is sometimes is about the amount of the fee charged by other agencies/companies.) The schools were in all economic brackets.

I guess the policies and attitudes vary from state to state.

This is the first time I have had experienced this with the schools. Before, at Montgomery County, no problem at all.

 

[Reba]

...To my opinion, the government should cover the interpreter costs thru taxpayers to give the Agency to organize everything for deaf people who requires the interpreters. I can require what I want with no stress/hassle...

Do the German taxpayers pay for your interpreter Agency fees?

Is there only one interpreter Agency? Or do you have a choice of agencies? Do any terps do freelance (independent contractor) work? Or do they have to work thru the Agency?

 

[Reba]

I'm curious about the terp agencies. I wonder if any of them take a pro-active stance by contacting the schools ahead of time? That is, the company that I work for contacts schools, hospitals, government agencies, large chain stores, etc., and introduces itself. They use personal contacts and letters. They explain what the company does, how to use terps, what the ADA requires, and pricing policies. With some places, they set up contractual agreements, so whenever a terp is needed the school or business can easily make an appointment without any complications. They already know the prices and procedures. I also have business cards that I give out whenever I use a service or meet another professional, like my dentist, a realtor, a lawyer, etc. I tell them, if you ever get a Deaf client, please call this number. I've had several tell me, "Oh, we had a Deaf patient/client last year, and we didn't know who to contact. We called the State agency (200 miles away) for help but they were too far away. Thank you for the information."

Yeah, some people are just cheapskate buttheads, but some truly just need education, and are willing to do the right thing when they are informed.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

Do the German taxpayers pay for your interpreter Agency fees?

No, not for fees but anything.

We work to pay tax to government, then government share our taxes to each states like what you mentioned at other thread that you work to pay tax for medicare/medicard etc. Its the same example.

Is there only one interpreter Agency? Or do you have a choice of agencies? Do any terps do freelance (independent contractor) work? Or do they have to work thru the Agency?

I guess we talk different.

We have three Agencies for Interpret central in Bavaria. The government sent share of taxes to Agencies to provide the interpreters for us around Bavaria. They don´t have Agencies in North Germany since they receive monthly deaf allowance to fianance the interpret cost themselves except company and hospitail/doctors.

I have a choice to which interpreters. Agency respect my wish to provide my wish interpreters.

Do any terps do freelance (independent contractor) work? Or do they have to work thru the Agency?

Both -

With agency, they have to make an agreement contract how much per hour, mileage, drive, waiting time, etc. what do if we disown Agency´s rule or let interpreter down etc.

Yes, most interpreters are freelance and can charge more to companies or anywhere if they want to if it has nothing do with Agency.

Healthcare fix the agreement contract with Agency of Interpret central about prices etc.

 

[Reba]

No, not for fees but anything.

We work to pay tax to government, then government share our taxes to each states like what you mentioned at other thread that you work to pay tax for medicare/medicard etc. Its the same example.

I guess we talk different.

Yes, "agency" here can mean government or private service.

We have three Agencies for Interpret central in Bavaria. The government sent share of taxes to Agencies to provide the interpreters for us around Bavaria. They don´t have Agencies in North Germany since they receive monthly deaf allowance to fianance the interpret cost themselves except company and hospitail/doctors.

So, those three agencies in Bavaria are all government agencies? Do you have any private interpreter companies in Bavaria? Do any terps work freelance (independent), without an agency? Or does everyone have to use government agency terps only?

What about school terps? Do full-time school terps work for the schools, or do they work for the government agencies?

 

[Liebling:-)))]

Welcome

Yes, "agency" here can mean government or private service.

Ah I got it.

So, those three agencies in Bavaria are all government agencies?

I would say yes.

Do you have any private interpreter companies in Bavaria?

which companies? If you mean work? No

We don´t have any private interpreter for companies but most spa resorts.

Do any terps work freelance (independent), without an agency?

Yes it´s up to deaf people either they can afford to pay interpreter´s fee out of their pocket IF the name of non-certifed and certifed interpreters are not on the Agency´s list. It does not happen because a lot of deaf people prefer to depend on Agency for the cost.

Of course deaf people can get companies and healthcare to hire their wish interpreter and pays if interpreters are not on Agency´s list.

A lot of interpreters prefer to see deaf people depend on Agency for the cost because they don´t like to see them pay them out of their pocket. They make an examination to become certifed or non-certifed interpreter.

For North Germany, yes. They received monthly deaf allowance from goverment then they can depend on interpreters and negotiate with them over prices.

Or does everyone have to use government agency terps only?

I would say yes, because they pays for us.

What about school terps?

Why should we need school interpreters for since we have teachers who can sign language?

Do full-time school terps work for the schools,

No, we do not need interpreters in school because the teacher and supersivors for the deaf children can sign with oral.

We have full-time interpreters in different spa resorts where many deaf people attend to.

or do they work for the government agencies?

No



It´s us deaf parents who requires an interpreter for hearing school where our children attends to. Example meeting, parent conference, parent evening, etc. rely on Agency for the cost, not school.

 

[Reba]

which companies? If you mean work? No

No, I mean must all interpreters work for government agencies? Or can interpreters work for private interpreting agencies also?

We don´t have any private interpreter for companies but most spa resorts.

No, I mean do the interpreters work for private interpreter agencies? That is, if a group of terps want to start their own interpreting business, is that allowed?

Yes it´s up to deaf people either they can afford to pay interpreter´s fee out of their pocket IF the name of non-certifed and certifed interpreters are not on the Agency´s list. It does not happen because a lot of deaf people prefer to depend on Agency for the cost.[/color

Do you mean that the government pays for interpreting services ONLY if you use a government interpreter? The government won't pay for non-government interpreter services?

For North Germany, yes. They received monthly deaf allowance from goverment then they can depend on interpreters and negotiate with them over prices.

The Deaf people have to hire and pay for their own interpreters?

Why should we need school interpreters for since we have teachers who can sign language?

No, we do not need interpreters in school because the teacher and supersivors for the deaf children can sign with oral.

Do Deaf children attend Deaf schools or hearing schools? I'm kind of confused about what you mean "sign with oral".

 

[Angel]

Need to fight with them some more like Angel did..maybe in another 3 years things will change. LOL!

LOL, :Oops: I thought my post bored some people because Liebling was the only one that replied back.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

No, I mean must all interpreters work for government agencies? Or can interpreters work for private interpreting agencies also?

Ohhhh I got it.

Well, I guess that we have different system for interpreter.

I would say no, they don´t have to work for Agency. It´s up to us deaf people who want to hire which interpreters. The agency have list of freelance interpreters then they are able to contact them via phone to make an appointment and arrange for us, that´s all. Agency only pay when they get the proof of their present. Agency only sit in the office to wait for deaf´s application for interpreter.

No, we don´t have private agencies.

No, I mean do the interpreters work for private interpreter agencies? That is, if a group of terps want to start their own interpreting business, is that allowed?

Ah I got it. See above.

It did once at long time ago in Munich without support from Government, that´s time. Unfortunlately it closed down due money problems. Many deaf people don´t apply them due expensive fee... problem with companies, etc. We had been fought for over 7 years to get government´s reconization to support us with interpreter cost. They gave us reconization at last after 7 long years fought. We have new Agencies for interpreter central and get money from Government to organize themselves. All what I do is apply per fax and let Agency know the date and time, which place, I need interpreter, wish interpreter.. Let Agency do everything for me until everything arrange then inform me per fax. It goes very well for over 15 years now without complication.

A lot of interpreters are happy and relieved that way how Agency organize for us. It´s good for them to earn money more and more because deaf people can hire them more and more if they feel like to.

Do you mean that the government pays for interpreting services ONLY if you use a government interpreter? The government won't pay for non-government interpreter services?

No, government only give money to Agency and leave Agency alone to organize anything.

The reason Agency want that way is because the people went to Munich to be interpreter and make final examination to get certifed or non-certifed interpreter which is not cheap for them to be certifed or non-certifed interpreters. Agency is for the interpreter who tried to get certifed or non-certifed interpreter... if they fail, no matter - non-certifed - pass - certified because they work hard... Why should Agency pay the "illegal" interpreters who never go to Munich for examination? What Agency want is understandable because interpreters work hard and pay out of their pocket for examination. We have no problem for that. Why should we support "illegal" interpreters who don´t get certifed or non-certifed from Munich? Anyway, it´s up to deaf people who want to have them then they can get their work place or healthcare to hire interpreter without certifed or non-certifed.

The Deaf people have to hire and pay for their own interpreters?

Yes, with month deaf allowance EXCEPT healthcare (hospitail, doctors, etc., spa resort etc) and workplace.

We don´t have monthly deaf allowance in Bavaria but have Agency who pays for us.

Do Deaf children attend Deaf schools or hearing schools? I'm kind of confused about what you mean "sign with oral".

I am also kind of confused, too.

Yes deaf children attend deaf school only, why hearing for? Is America culture, many deaf children attend hearing school? Here in Europe countries, no.

We sign with oral which mean we sign with speaking. There´re very common here in Europe countries who use sign language with speaking... We don´t understand if anyone who sign without speaking.

 

[Reba]

...A lot of interpreters are happy and relieved that way how Agency organize for us. It´s good for them to earn money more and more because deaf people can hire them more and more if they feel like to.

Thank you for the explanation.

...The reason Agency want that way is because the people went to Munich to be interpreter and make final examination to get certifed or non-certifed interpreter which is not cheap for them to be certifed or non-certifed interpreters. Agency is for the interpreter who tried to get certifed or non-certifed interpreter... if they fail, no matter - non-certifed - pass - certified because they work hard... Why should Agency pay the "illegal" interpreters who never go to Munich for examination? What Agency want is understandable because interpreters work hard and pay out of their pocket for examination. We have no problem for that. Why should we support "illegal" interpreters who don´t get certifed or non-certifed from Munich? Anyway, it´s up to deaf people who want to have them then they can get their work place or healthcare to hire interpreter without certifed or non-certifed.

Umm, I wasn't asking about certified versus noncertified. In the USA, certified terps can work freelance (independent contractor), for a private agency, for a government agency, on a staff, etc.-- they are all "legal." Independent and private interpreters are equally legal with government interpreters.

I am also kind of confused, too.

Yes deaf children attend deaf school only, why hearing for? Is America culture, many deaf children attend hearing school? Here in Europe countries, no.

In the USA, some Deaf children attend residential (boarding) schools together with other Deaf children. Some Deaf children who live near residential schools attend as day students. Their classes are conducted in sign language. Many Deaf children now attend regular "hearing" public schools in "mainstream" or general education programs. That means, there will be a few Deaf students attending class with all the hearing students. The classes are conducted in spoken English, with sign language interpreters for the Deaf students. There are also deaf schools and programs that are mostly oral emphasis.

We sign with oral which mean we sign with speaking. There´re very common here in Europe countries who use sign language with speaking... We don´t understand if anyone who sign without speaking.

That's interesting. Many Deaf consumers for whom I interpret use no English oral at all. Some Deaf people complain if we hearies "flap our lips" too much.

Do you mean you can't understand the signs by themselves? You have to read lips while signing? Is that what you mean?

 

[Liebling:-)))]

Thank you for the explanation.

Welcome

Umm, I wasn't asking about certified versus noncertified. In the USA, certified terps can work freelance (independent contractor), for a private agency, for a government agency, on a staff, etc.-- they are all "legal." Independent and private interpreters are equally legal with government interpreters.

Yes, it's same with here in Germany, too. All interpreters are freelance. Like what I told you in previous post that Agency have list of their phone #. With government's money, Agency fix the agreement contract with all freelance interpreters over prices. Any companies or business owners can phone them to make a neglolicate with the prices if it has nothing do with Agency.

In the USA, some Deaf children attend residential (boarding) schools together with other Deaf children. Some Deaf children who live near residential schools attend as day students. Their classes are conducted in sign language. Many Deaf children now attend regular "hearing" public schools in "mainstream" or general education programs. That means, there will be a few Deaf students attending class with all the hearing students. The classes are conducted in spoken English, with sign language interpreters for the Deaf students. There are also deaf schools and programs that are mostly oral emphasis.

Interesting to know about hearing public school.

That's interesting. Many Deaf consumers for whom I interpret use no English oral at all. Some Deaf people complain if we hearies "flap our lips" too much.

Interesting, I need to watch your lip on the same time as you signing. I need your lip movement...

Yes I heard a lot about Americans who sign without speaking. I visited USA to find out myself. At first I was scared and tried to think how to communicate with Americans without watch their lips. Most ADers, I met in real life, they signing with speaking that's why I have no problem to understand them no matter either they use different sign langauge as German. They told me that most deaf people signing with speaking in North America than south America. Few signing with speaking in south America where you come from. wow, I admire you to understand deaf signing without speaking... I personally would not understand them... Occchh...

Do you mean you can't understand the signs by themselves? You have to read lips while signing? Is that what you mean?

Exactly - I need to read their lip while they signing.

 

[Reba]

Yes, it's same with here in Germany, too. All interpreters are freelance. Like what I told you in previous post that Agency have list of their phone #. With government's money, Agency fix the agreement contract with all freelance interpreters over prices. Any companies or business owners can phone them to make a neglolicate with the prices if it has nothing do with Agency.

So, the interpreters don't actually work for the government agency? The agency is just a go-between for the terps and consumers?

Interesting to know about hearing public school.

What kind of schooling do German deaf and hoh children get?

Interesting, I need to watch your lip on the same time as you signing. I need your lip movement...

In the USA, that's called sign-supported speech. That means, the primary language is oral speech, and the signs are just used as "boosters" to the communication.

Yes I heard a lot about Americans who sign without speaking. I visited USA to find out myself. At first I was scared and tried to think how to communicate with Americans without watch their lips. Most ADers, I met in real life, they signing with speaking that's why I have no problem to understand them no matter either they use different sign langauge as German. They told me that most deaf people signing with speaking in North America than south America. Few signing with speaking in south America where you come from. wow, I admire you to understand deaf signing without speaking... I personally would not understand them... Occchh...

South Carolina is in the United States, which is in North America. We don't live in South America. That's another continent.

Many of the Deaf consumers for whom I interpret were born and raised in other states (and countries). Signing without speaking is not just a Southern trait. My consumers come from all over the USA. When both parties are fluent in ASL (or even PSE), there is no reason to depend on oral speech. That doesn't mean ASL signers don't move their lips. ASL uses ASL mouth movements such as puffing cheeks, tongue flicking, "pops", etc. They also use them for emphasis, for expression, for clarifying proper names, etc. But they usually don't "speak" every word that they sign, unless they are in a mixed group of signers and non-signers.

There is actually a derogatory sign that can be used to indicate a signer is "flapping the lips" too much. It's kind of in the same category as the "thinking-hearing" sign. It's not polite but it's sometimes used.

Exactly - I need to read their lip while they signing.

That's interesting. Did you grow up with a mostly oral education? At what age did you learn how to sign?

 

[2lilprincesses]

Well..some schools do hire and some do not. I lived in Montgomery county for 2 years and that is an extremely rich county so the school had no problems providing me an terp for anything. However, I moved to Anne Arundel county..more middle class, I had to fight with the schools to provide me a qualified terp. They did provide me a terp but it turned out to be their speech teacher who happened to know some signs. She was not fluent at all. I reported a complaint and the county said that they dont have money in their budget to provide parents terps and they are not responsilbe for providing me services for my needs like a doctor's office would be responsible. Ugh!

Need to fight with them some more like Angel did..maybe in another 3 years things will change. LOL!

Shel, The school, as any business in education and medical, I'm not sure aboutmany others, but I know the issues are being pushed by the NAD, are REQUIRED to provide a terp., at the company cost. I had this argument with my company. I am hearning and just learning ASL, only been a year (self study with help of a terp. for Delaware School for the Deaf). Another location for my company, in Delaware, had a deaf patient referred to their clinic and weren't aware of the policies for terps and had a big scene with the patient's family member. I had to step in and make my company aware of a FEDERAL LAW that states a terp must be provided at company cost.

 

[2lilprincesses]

That was against the law...that is grounds for a lawsuit cuz it is discrimination right there.

Oh i agree with you Shel. There are several other ways he could have attempted to communicate with you and if he had spoken to the agency, I am sure they made him aware of the law.

 

[Byrdie714]

What about if you have the 'hots' for an interpreter?

 

[Secretblend]

What about if you have the 'hots' for an interpreter?

Then go find a fire extinguisher and put it to good use.