A long assignment with no co-worker
An interpreter has been booked for a 4-day course, on arrival they find that the client hasn’t booked another interpreter.
Office interpreter and long term client
An interpreter has worked as an office interpreter with the same Deaf client for over three years. The Deaf person now says they will not book any other interpreter apart from this one.
Does he take sugar?
Sometimes, other professional people talk to the interpreter instead of the Deaf person.
Working with an advocate
Sometimes when working with an advocate, it goes wrong. What do we do in this situation?
Blank exam form and advice
A student is asked to sign a blank form, which they do. The educational interpreter/CSW translates the form, and then explains what the problem is with signing a blank form.
Interpreting with parent
An interpreter who is a child of a deaf adult (CODA) often interprets with their father in health settings, sometimes paid, sometimes not. What are the issues for and against this?
Related topics: Interpreter, Medical, Hospital, Roles, Code of Practice / Ethics, CODA / HMFD, family, payment.
Lip read - an interpreter isn't required
A deaf patient answers 'yes' to every question the Doctor asks, including 'can you lip-read?' The Doctor tells the interpreter that he is no longer needed.
Related topics: Interpreter, Medical, Doctor, Mental Health, 1:1, Role, Boundaries, Responsibility, appearance of communication, different opinions about the service needed, consequences.
Assumed skills of other professionals
An interpreter is booked for an employment disciplinary appeal. The client is not a British Sign Language (BSL) user so the interpreter suggests they bring their Deaf advice worker to the meeting. On arrival the interpreter realises that the advice worker isn’t a BSL user either.
Deaf Client Acts Like a Jerk
You're interpreting for a Deaf client at a job interview. The Deaf client makes a sexually suggestive remark about the interviewer to you.
An intepreter doesn't show but you're 'off duty'
You’re in the audience at public meeting. There are Deaf people in the audience too. It is announced that the interpreter isn’t able to attend.
Previous person ‘interpreting’ unqualified
An interpreter has been booked for an employment disciplinary appeal following a Deaf staff members’ dismissal. The interpreter finds out that someone with Level 2 BSL skills previously interpreted the assignment.
Wrong booking information
An interpreter is booked for an assignment with 12 people. On arrival they find that it’s a large conference and there is only one other co-interpreter. There is only 30 minutes to prepare.
Unqualified co-worker
An interpreter has been booked to work at a tribunal. On arrival they find that their co-worker isn’t a qualified as an interpreter.
What do you mean I'm on my own?
A trainee interpreter has been booked to voice over for a 3 hour session with a co-worker present. The voice over is for a palantypist because the audience are deaf. On the day the co-worker is sick.
Insurance Fraud
You recently interpreted for a Deaf woman filing an insurance claim. She claims that she can't use her leg after a fall. Later you go to your first yoga class and see the Deaf woman there.
Interfering in a Dangerous Situation
You're interpreting in an auto mechanics class, and the teacher is explaining about torches and the appropriate mixtures. You're pretty sure the Deaf student didn't follow the instructions and he's getting ready to light his torch.
Judgement Call in the Courtroom
You're interpreting for a trial in which an 18-year-old Deaf man is charged with murder. You realise you can't handle this job alone and need either an RSC or CDI Interpreter to assist you.
Client Confesses to a Crime
You're interpreting in a hospital emergency room for a drunk driver. He tells you that earlier in the evening he thinks he hit a pedestrian.
Uncooperative Professor
You interpret in a college course where you're convinced that the professor hates all people, especially interpreters.
A Job Beyond Your Capabilities
You're a QA level 1 interpreter and your brother is a police officer. One night he calls you and begs you to come and interpret.
Client Thinks You're the Counselor
You get an emergency call to interpret for a Deaf person who has just admitted himself to a crisis unit. You arrive at the hospital and interpret for the Deaf man and the crisis worker.
Curious Mom
Your mom has always been interested in what's going on in your life. You're home visiting her for the weekend and she asks you about your work.
Gross Anatomy
You're interpreting in a high school science class, and they're dissecting cats today.
Doctor Acts Like a Jerk
You're asked to interpret a medical appointment. While the Deaf patient is getting undressed, you step into the hall. You hear the nurse and doctor laughing and saying that when they go back into the room, it's going to look like Sea World because the patient looks like Shamu the whale.
They Know Each Other
This is the first time that you have interpreted for two people who know each other well. During the assignment the hearing person asks you a direct question.