The Benefits of Deaf Interpreters
Channel: ASLized!
Date: 2014-08-11

TEXT: 

Deaf Interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters exist. Often we question their existence. The most common misconception about DIs and CDIs is that they only interpret for people who are developmentally delayed. That is not true at all. We have many reasons why you should consider CDI. 

During the grand jury and/or jury, I prefer a CDI who is capable of translating complicated legal terms at ease.

At the IEP meeting, I was interpreting for a Deaf boy. I noticed his body language and it was obvious that he disagreed with a comment. I interrupted the meeting immediately. He was surprised then he became confident with his statements. 

I was at the hospital for a cesarean section surgery. I was on the bed and my hands were tied to the bed. How can I sign? CDI will be able to understand my fingerspelling. 

A drunk person was brought to the emergency room. The interpreter could not understand his signing at all. A CDI could have easily understood him. 

During a stressful situation, I struggle with processing information with a hearing interpreter. With a CDI, I can stop processing information and absorb information at ease. 

A minimal language skilled person will not be able to understand a hearing interpreter. CDI is adept using language most readily understood by consumers.

A hearing interpreter will struggle to understand a Deaf person with cerebral palsy. CDI has the professional skills and knowledge as a language meditator. 

I interpreted on the platform at the church. After the sermon, Deaf people came to me and remarked they never saw a Deaf person interpret onstage. They also commented how much they understood me and it touched my heart. 

A hearing teacher thought her Deaf student from a different country had no language. However, it was not true. She had a language. CDI would have been helpful in this situation. 

If a client cannot read a text in written English, I can translate the text into ASL. 

At an international conference, there is always a team of two interpreters (both first language and second language users). The second language interpreter translates a text to the L1 interpreter then the L1 interpreter finalizes the text to the audience. Why don’t we practice that here in the United States?

Deaf interpreters are adept in two things: language and culture as it is innate for them. They make a perfect meditator. Only Deaf person can completely understand another Deaf person.