Tips on How to Work with American Sign Language Interpreters

After 2020, the communication is now at a whole different level due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From online meetings to school lessons, it changed the way things were before. In a world where everything is literally like sitting on a roller coaster, American Sign Language (ASL) made online conferences easier especially for hard of hearing or deaf individuals. But, why would any of us hire these ASL interpreters? Moving towards understanding this bandwagon, it’s crystal clear that hard of hearing or deaf individuals often require someone to assist them in communication.  

Sure, people can write well but sometimes that isn’t the case with deaf individuals. What if these hard of hearing individuals want to talk on a phone or plan to have an engaging and informative video meeting? Think it this way that tapping some keys or writing down via a keyboard will not be that much helpful for them. And this, therefore, increases the need for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. With signage and verbal approaches right on point, the communication can be fast enough. Whether it’s about using mobile devices or attending a video session or a phone call, these interpreters go an extra mile to make things happen for deaf people. 

American Sign Language Interpreters (ASL) & Remote meetings

Working with American Sign Language Interpreters 

1. Appointment Setting  

When it comes to ASL interpreters, we at Languagers, suggest making the necessary adjustments to run your meeting smoothly. If this is your first time working with these language interpreters, understanding the aspects of an on-site interpretation appointment is everything that you need. Ask the interpreter agency to recruit the interpreter with the same background, age, or gender for better communication. Considering the conditions, request a language interpreter who has his hands on culturally appropriate language, relevant field background and is tech-savvy. Enough time for interpretation is there so that the consultation helps a lot hence discuss things with your interpreter, so that your confusions are made clear. Moreover, discussion of any procedures not only supports the overall meeting but also makes you culturally aware. 

2. Consultation and Meeting Sessions  

By speaking with a casual and regular tone, you can convey your message loud and clear. There’s no need to make use of technical terms or industry jargons during such sessions. Also, working with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters aren’t that complicated to do with easy sentences and decent body language. Knowing that these interpreters are the “communication medium”, stay with a person with limited English proficiency and position yourself between the interpreter and the LEP patient. Do not get personal or ask random questions to the interpreters because it creates an awkward situation. Remember to say short, concise, and easy to understand things because every statement will be interpreted.  

3. When the Session Ends 

These American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters do not go for follow-up because if the appointment goes smooth then it’s important to thank them. With a specific or same interpreter, it’s crucial to build trust and association between the non-English speaker and interpreters. Nevertheless, the interpreters switch or take a break as it may cost them to have headache and tiredness. There may be problems that arise in video conferences or remote meetings, so discussing things with these language interpreters is everything that you can rely upon. Let these American Sign Language interpreters convey your heart out in a highly educated setting. At Languagers, we encourage hard of hearing or deaf individuals to be a part of the community. With communication on right track, a full understanding of languages or public discussion is now made easier. To know more about language interpreters or American Sign Language interpreters, we are here. Contact us right away!