ughhh....interpreter issues at school...

[coolgirlspyer90]

My interpreter is not very professional at all lately. I'm in high school and almost going into my 2nd year of high school. And well...i'm getting fustrated with my interpreter and almost am about ready to get a new one.

My interpreter ALWAYS calls in school lately. either because she's sick or she has to go to the doctor or whatever. One time she had allergies. you know, your usual spring allergies, she called in to not go to work because of that. And i mean i go to school with a cold or spring allergies. I mean i'll get over it in a day. Then, Shes always messing around with her phone talking to her 2nd boss at a different job, talking to her boyfriend by texting, calling her doctor, etc. And I mean this is a school not an office. You don't see students or teachers playing around with their phone. Plus its unfair that she has her phone out and shes doing that crap.

Then she ALWAYS and i do mean ALWAYS complain about things from outside of interpreting. Shes complaining how nobody is helping her with her job, about her boyfriend, about her dog, about her boss, about her track thing, and about how the secutary hates her, and shes even complaining about that stuff to my friends which i do not want her to do. I mean I'm tired of it. Oh did i also mention that she NEVER INTERPRETS?? If i need her to interpret I'll look at her then she'll get the idea. and she also thinks i can handle not having her to interpret.
I mean does interpreters are suppose to sign every word that other people are saying? Like one time I asked her if i needed to write or type a paper and she got frustrated at me and was like: "you're suppose to know what to do. not me" and in my mind i was like: "you're not even interpreting for me so how am i suppose to know?!" She even threatens my friends by saying: "stop distracting (me) or i'm gonna give you a referral (a warning ticket or a detention ticket)" Plus the school has almost never gave me a sub interpreter. I mean the last time my interpreter was not coming to school because she has allergies, I texted my mom that morning and told her i'm not having a interpreter or a sub and my mom called and complained and the school ended up looking for a sub for me for 2 hours.

All of my friends thinks that the interpreter that i have now, is mean and rude. and almost all of the teachers doesn't like her because she just complains too much and just can't shut up. And i was stuck with her for almost 4 years. In my first year with her shes very professional and now shes not. And my sub interpreter; her name is jennifer. and she grew up with me when i was 3 years old. and I like her very much. and I want her to be my permanment interpreter. But its up the school's decision. God...idk what to do anymore...help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lissa]

my 'terp is very much like you described, shes always moaning about her personal life and even disrupts class when she doesnt understand when i perfectly do. she doesnt even sign everything then expects me to know what's been said

im glad iv only got 4 more weeks left with her then i finish.

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

my 'terp is very much like you described, shes always moaning about her personal life and even disrupts class when she doesnt understand when i perfectly do. she doesnt even sign everything then expects me to know what's been said

im glad iv only got 4 more weeks left with her then i finish.

I have school today off. because of memorial day. And I'm so glad i had this day off because i cannot bear another day with my 'terp. I mean my parent thinks that i need to tell her my point of view of what she's doing even though she might get offended. And the part where she thinks i already know what have been said by the teacher, she gets mad at me for it. and sometimes i do understand what the teacher is saying and sometimes i dont. and I'm just about done with it. I had it. I want to get a new interpreter. I don't like telling my point of view to my main 'terp. because i don't like hurting people feelings. But i know that shes going to complain about her personal life again tomorrow like usual. everyday of my life. she even embarresses me in class!!

 

[Lissa]

omg mine embarrases me too. and iv never said anything because i dont like hurting people's feelings and im worried she'll get angry so iv just not said anything. shes always moaning about how bored she is in class, etc

 

[JClarke]

Ladies, I was trained how to interact with interpreters last feb and boy, it was a very interesting course. Your have the entitlement to give feedback to the interpreters, they appreicate the feedback, where they can improve next time. So you two ladies, you will have to give them a honest feedback saying that 'I am sorry to say this, but i am going to be honest here, you're not doing a professional job, why are you complaining all your personal stuff to ME? You are here to work and you have to interpret what the teacher and the other students says, I am going to warn you, do it or get lost'

 

[Lissa]

Good Point but Im done soon anyway and there wont be any deaf student at the college next year

 

[JClarke]

Mel, it is never too late to tell your interpreter what you think, because she would be interpreting to other deafies in other places.

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

Ladies, I was trained how to interact with interpreters last feb and boy, it was a very interesting course. Your have the entitlement to give feedback to the interpreters, they appreicate the feedback, where they can improve next time. So you two ladies, you will have to give them a honest feedback saying that 'I am sorry to say this, but i am going to be honest here, you're not doing a professional job, why are you complaining all your personal stuff to ME? You are here to work and you have to interpret what the teacher and the other students says, I am going to warn you, do it or get lost'

I might have to do that. But my mom has already called and complained to the special education coordinator at school about my interpreter. They said that they will handle it and call my mom back as soon they deal with it. But the thing is they never called back at all. They were suppose to call my mom back two weeks ago. I mean they did deal with it. The school is having my interpreter document all of the called in days that she missed. She missed over 3 days of what teachers and interpreters are suppose to have. My mom says that workers are allowed to have 3 days to call in. no more than that. Otherwise if they call in more than 3 days they're going to get fired. But theres no way my interpreter is going to get fired. And she have had more than 3 days. But I read in some other post that The teacher and interpreter has that power to write over you or ingore what you say. I'm just a 15 year old girl. I don't have that power to say: "you have to work for me about what the teacher is saying and the student say or i'm going to go and complain." she'll just have a straight-up attitude with me.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

My interpreter is not very professional at all lately. I'm in high school and almost going into my 2nd year of high school. And well...i'm getting fustrated with my interpreter and almost am about ready to get a new one.

My interpreter ALWAYS calls in school lately. either because she's sick or she has to go to the doctor or whatever. One time she had allergies. you know, your usual spring allergies, she called in to not go to work because of that. And i mean i go to school with a cold or spring allergies. I mean i'll get over it in a day. Then, Shes always messing around with her phone talking to her 2nd boss at a different job, talking to her boyfriend by texting, calling her doctor, etc. And I mean this is a school not an office. You don't see students or teachers playing around with their phone. Plus its unfair that she has her phone out and shes doing that crap.

Then she ALWAYS and i do mean ALWAYS complain about things from outside of interpreting. Shes complaining how nobody is helping her with her job, about her boyfriend, about her dog, about her boss, about her track thing, and about how the secutary hates her, and shes even complaining about that stuff to my friends which i do not want her to do. I mean I'm tired of it. Oh did i also mention that she NEVER INTERPRETS?? If i need her to interpret I'll look at her then she'll get the idea. and she also thinks i can handle not having her to interpret.
I mean does interpreters are suppose to sign every word that other people are saying? Like one time I asked her if i needed to write or type a paper and she got frustrated at me and was like: "you're suppose to know what to do. not me" and in my mind i was like: "you're not even interpreting for me so how am i suppose to know?!" She even threatens my friends by saying: "stop distracting (me) or i'm gonna give you a referral (a warning ticket or a detention ticket)" Plus the school has almost never gave me a sub interpreter. I mean the last time my interpreter was not coming to school because she has allergies, I texted my mom that morning and told her i'm not having a interpreter or a sub and my mom called and complained and the school ended up looking for a sub for me for 2 hours.

All of my friends thinks that the interpreter that i have now, is mean and rude. and almost all of the teachers doesn't like her because she just complains too much and just can't shut up. And i was stuck with her for almost 4 years. In my first year with her shes very professional and now shes not. And my sub interpreter; her name is jennifer. and she grew up with me when i was 3 years old. and I like her very much. and I want her to be my permanment interpreter. But its up the school's decision. God...idk what to do anymore...help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a drag! Why can't you get rid of the jerk and get a new interpreter?
What about your parents , can't they talk to your school and let the school know your interpreter is not doing her job and it could hurt your grades!
There has to some center that help handicap people in your state , I would find one and see what your rights are. You should have the rights to pick an
interpreter that you can work with. I am sorry to hear this happening to you. Let us know how things work out for you. Would you mind saying what State you live in? I want to made some phone calls. I find this very up setting the way the system is treating deaf and HOH people!

 

[JClarke]

I might have to do that. But my mom has already called and complained to the special education coordinator at school about my interpreter. They said that they will handle it and call my mom back as soon they deal with it. But the thing is they never called back at all. They were suppose to call my mom back two weeks ago. I mean they did deal with it. The school is having my interpreter document all of the called in days that she missed. She missed over 3 days of what teachers and interpreters are suppose to have. My mom says that workers are allowed to have 3 days to call in. no more than that. Otherwise if they call in more than 3 days they're going to get fired. But theres no way my interpreter is going to get fired. And she have had more than 3 days. But I read in some other post that The teacher and interpreter has that power to write over you or ingore what you say. I'm just a 15 year old girl. I don't have that power to say: "you have to work for me about what the teacher is saying and the student say or i'm going to go and complain." she'll just have a straight-up attitude with me.

No, you are the MAIN person, and YOU should give the direct feedback to the interpreter, the school doesn't give a fuck about the interpreters because they are think these interpreters are so cheap. Just give a harsh feedback and the interpreter needs to understand what's going on and who knows, this would end up her job in jearbardy (sp?) LOL!

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

What a drag! Why can't you get rid of the jerk and get a new interpreter?
What about your parents , can't they talk to your school and let the school know your interpreter is not doing her job and it could hurt your grades!
There has to some center that help handicap people in your state , I would find one and see what your rights are. You should have the rights to pick an
interpreter that you can work with. I am sorry to hear this happening to you. Let us know how things work out for you.

actually my social studies grade isnt doing so good. I have a D in soc.studies right now. Because my interpreter does not interpret for me in that class unless i LOOK at her then she interprets for only a brief moment. But in my other classes i'm doing okay. My parents have talked to the school. But they said they would deal with it and call my parents back but they never did. It was 2 or 3 weeks ago when they called and complained. I live in ohio. But from what my parents told me it is the SCHOOL'S decision to fire my interpreter and get me a new one. But now she has to document all of her missing work days by the end of the school year or she'll be fired.

My science grade is a C+, my English grade is a B, my concert band grade is an A, and my math grade is a C+. And I have to work my ass off trying to make that D up to a higher grade because i'm in the marching band. And I have to have good grades for me to be in the marching band. And they called my parents saying that they might kick me out of the band because of my D grade. and that so upsets me alot. Because next week is our last week of school (june 1st to june 3rd) and we have exams on those last 3 days. and If i dont pass all of them i'm not gonna be able to make it to the band. And i'm scared of that because my interpreter doesn't interpret for me every single word they're saying in school and i get fustrated. and she goes on complaining to other people and to me about her personal life and i dont even care about it. I'm like literally to the edge of crying. But the exams are when it all depends on your final grade of the end of the year semester.


I'm studying so hard right now. I had failed alot of my social studies quizzes even when i studied for them. I feel emotionally and physically tired and fustrated i dont know what to do anymore. Because of my interpreter not interpreting it takes alot out of me. I want to be able to have good grades. And then my interpreter goes on scolding me or almost yelling at me that i need to study but I did. I'm not really good in the studying department. I wish i could learn how to study better. I really want to be in the band. this is my 2nd year being in the marching band. With a challenge of being deaf. I have been interviewed by my school's newspaper about me being deaf and being in the band and how i made it work. That what kept me going. But I don't know what to do with my interpreter anymore...UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bottesini]

What a drag! Why can't you get rid of the jerk and get a new interpreter?
What about your parents , can't they talk to your school and let the school know your interpreter is not doing her job and it could hurt your grades!
There has to some center that help handicap people in your state , I would find one and see what your rights are. You should have the rights to pick an
interpreter that you can work with. I am sorry to hear this happening to you. Let us know how things work out for you. Would you mind saying what State you live in? I want to made some phone calls. I find this very up setting the way the system is treating deaf and HOH people!

I think she is in Indiana.

Fun to watch a new activist!

Go for it, whatdidyousay

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

What a drag! Why can't you get rid of the jerk and get a new interpreter?
What about your parents , can't they talk to your school and let the school know your interpreter is not doing her job and it could hurt your grades!
There has to some center that help handicap people in your state , I would find one and see what your rights are. You should have the rights to pick an
interpreter that you can work with. I am sorry to hear this happening to you. Let us know how things work out for you. Would you mind saying what State you live in? I want to made some phone calls. I find this very upsetting the way the system is treating deaf and HOH people!

I live in ohio. i'm not going to annouce what city i live in. Just the state. But I do not want to go to school tomorrow because of my interpreter. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Did i mention that she leaves during lunch and comes into school in the morning of first class a half hour late? and comes in late for my 5th period class after lunch?? i'm getting tired of it. she thinks she can do whatever she wants.

 

[JClarke]

I live in ohio. i'm not going to annouce what city i live in. Just the state. But I do not want to go to school tomorrow because of my interpreter. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Did i mention that she leaves during lunch and comes into school in the morning of first class a half hour late? and comes in late for my 5th period class after lunch?? i'm getting tired of it. she thinks she can do whatever she wants.

Go to school tomorrow and give her a direct feedback from yourself and see what she reacts.

 

[coolgirlspyer90]

Go to school tomorrow and give her a direct feedback from yourself and see what she reacts.

oh god i don't think i can do that...i'm so scared of hurting people and getting into trouble. What is on my mind is just keeping things to myself so i don't get into trouble. especially in school. but for me telling people the feedbacks about stuff like this its hard for me because i never stand up for myself on what i think they need to do or what to do. I never had that confidence at all.

 

[JClarke]

oh god i don't think i can do that...i'm so scared of hurting people and getting into trouble. What is on my mind is just keeping things to myself so i don't get into trouble. especially in school. but for me telling people the feedbacks about stuff like this its hard for me because i never stand up for myself on what i think they need to do or what to do. I never had that confidence at all.

Just say -

'I have the right to tell you this and consider this a feedback from your client, (you know the interpreter is an ADULT) and give whatever you want to tell her (be honest) ..blah, blah and all"

 

[VamPyroX]

Gee... sounds like an awful interpreter.

Have you set up a meeting with the principal about this?

Explain your concerns and also explain that it would help if they were prepared to call in a substitute interpreter.

So, is it only one interpreter for you... the only deaf student in the whole school?

 

[whatdidyousay!]

actually my social studies grade isnt doing so good. I have a D in soc.studies right now. Because my interpreter does not interpret for me in that class unless i LOOK at her then she interprets for only a brief moment. But in my other classes i'm doing okay. My parents have talked to the school. But they said they would deal with it and call my parents back but they never did. It was 2 or 3 weeks ago when they called and complained. I live in ohio. But from what my parents told me it is the SCHOOL'S decision to fire my interpreter and get me a new one. But now she has to document all of her missing work days by the end of the school year or she'll be fired.

My science grade is a C+, my English grade is a B, my concert band grade is an A, and my math grade is a C+. And I have to work my ass off trying to make that D up to a higher grade because i'm in the marching band. And I have to have good grades for me to be in the marching band. And they called my parents saying that they might kick me out of the band because of my D grade. and that so upsets me alot. Because next week is our last week of school (june 1st to june 3rd) and we have exams on those last 3 days. and If i dont pass all of them i'm not gonna be able to make it to the band. And i'm scared of that because my interpreter doesn't interpret for me every single word they're saying in school and i get fustrated. and she goes on complaining to other people and to me about her personal life and i dont even care about it. I'm like literally to the edge of crying. But the exams are when it all depends on your final grade of the end of the year semester.


I'm studying so hard right now. I had failed alot of my social studies quizzes even when i studied for them. I feel emotionally and physically tired and fustrated i dont know what to do anymore. Because of my interpreter not interpreting it takes alot out of me. I want to be able to have good grades. And then my interpreter goes on scolding me or almost yelling at me that i need to study but I did. I'm not really good in the studying department. I wish i could learn how to study better. I really want to be in the band. this is my 2nd year being in the marching band. With a challenge of being deaf. I have been interviewed by my school's newspaper about me being deaf and being in the band and how i made it work. That what kept me going. But I don't know what to do with my interpreter anymore...UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I got this from the 'National Association of the Deaf'
Interpreting
To refer others to this page, please use:
Interpreting - National Association of the Deaf

The quality and supply of sign language interpreters have long been a concern to the NAD. Most states already have various forms of laws that ensures a certain level of qualifications for sign language interpreters. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives deaf and hard of hearing individuals the right to a qualified interpreter. However, the definition of "qualified interpreter" under the ADA is very broad and does not establish the standards for the interpreters before they are hired to provide interpreting services. For this reason many states have enacted laws to further define "qualified interpreter" by establishing their own standards.

This section provides an overview on the different forms of legislation defining qualified interpreters, guidelines for future legislation, and state by state information on existing laws.

It look like ADA has more work to do ! We need to made phone calls and send emails to ADA to tell them to set standards for the interpreters that works in favor of the deaf and HOH and not for interpreters! I will made some calls myself and tell ADA they need to do something to help deaf and HOH students using interpreters , or a lot students will end up dropping out of school or fail in their classes!

 

[jillio]

I live in ohio. i'm not going to annouce what city i live in. Just the state. But I do not want to go to school tomorrow because of my interpreter. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Did i mention that she leaves during lunch and comes into school in the morning of first class a half hour late? and comes in late for my 5th period class after lunch?? i'm getting tired of it. she thinks she can do whatever she wants.

coogirlspyer90,
I would like to offer you some help with this situation. If you are comfortable doing so, PM me with your city. I am in Ohio, as well. I can help you with advocacy.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

actually my social studies grade isnt doing so good. I have a D in soc.studies right now. Because my interpreter does not interpret for me in that class unless i LOOK at her then she interprets for only a brief moment. But in my other classes i'm doing okay. My parents have talked to the school. But they said they would deal with it and call my parents back but they never did. It was 2 or 3 weeks ago when they called and complained. I live in ohio. But from what my parents told me it is the SCHOOL'S decision to fire my interpreter and get me a new one. But now she has to document all of her missing work days by the end of the school year or she'll be fired.

My science grade is a C+, my English grade is a B, my concert band grade is an A, and my math grade is a C+. And I have to work my ass off trying to make that D up to a higher grade because i'm in the marching band. And I have to have good grades for me to be in the marching band. And they called my parents saying that they might kick me out of the band because of my D grade. and that so upsets me alot. Because next week is our last week of school (june 1st to june 3rd) and we have exams on those last 3 days. and If i dont pass all of them i'm not gonna be able to make it to the band. And i'm scared of that because my interpreter doesn't interpret for me every single word they're saying in school and i get fustrated. and she goes on complaining to other people and to me about her personal life and i dont even care about it. I'm like literally to the edge of crying. But the exams are when it all depends on your final grade of the end of the year semester.


I'm studying so hard right now. I had failed alot of my social studies quizzes even when i studied for them. I feel emotionally and physically tired and fustrated i dont know what to do anymore. Because of my interpreter not interpreting it takes alot out of me. I want to be able to have good grades. And then my interpreter goes on scolding me or almost yelling at me that i need to study but I did. I'm not really good in the studying department. I wish i could learn how to study better. I really want to be in the band. this is my 2nd year being in the marching band. With a challenge of being deaf. I have been interviewed by my school's newspaper about me being deaf and being in the band and how i made it work. That what kept me going. But I don't know what to do with my interpreter anymore...UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

This is from Ohio Legal Rights Service:





Institutions of Higher Education
If the discriminatory public entity is an institution of higher education, a complaint can also be filed with OCRC at one of the regional offices. Ohio law requires institutions of higher education to provide auxiliary aids and services to students who are D/HOH. Educational institutions that receive federal funds (this is most schools, including most elementary and secondary schools) must also comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and a complaint of discrimination under Section 504 can be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Finally, public schools may also be sued under Title Two of the ADA.

Refer to Where to File a Complaint for OCRC and U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights contact information.

Have to use them to help you? It might help to call , they say public schools can be sued , I bet this would made your school listen to you!