This is widely growing. It has always been a huge debate. Currently so many doctors are referring hearing parents with newborn babies that are deaf-to a cochlear implant specialist.
People who specialize in cochlear implant will encourage every hearing parent that their child can be normal and hear normally with the use of cochlear implants.
Did you ever stop to think? At the end of the day, the child is still deaf. What if the cochlear needs to be adjusted? What if the child doesn't have it on? What if the child gets up in the middle of the night and is sick and goes to mom and dad, and doesn't have it on? What struggles do you face until its on?
Why not be able to sign, and communicate at the end of the day as a second option of communication?
I am a strong advocate of using sign with cochlear implant. It is my hope and goal that parents out there will realize that there is nothing wrong with sign language. If you are a parent, considering implant for your child, or your child already has one--please do consider teaching yourself and your child sign. At the end of the day, the cochlear does not make him/her hearing.
Lets communicate! www.projectnadine.org has a GIFT program, specifically designed to help your needs. Perhaps they can reference you. Perhaps they can give you guidence you would not otherwise recieve from a party that strongly advocates cochlear--without options of sign language. I do believe at the end of the day, you will be greatful for adding signs to cochlear implants. :) Feel free to comment, I would love to hear from you!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Using an interpreter for your business
The use of interpreters is growing. The need for interpreters continues to be at a high demand.
Some states continue to struggle. For those of us struggling, I mean 2 things, the amount of interpreters available, is low and 2, the stuggles with buisnesses to provide interpreters is very strong.
So many doctors, attnys, courts, etc do not see the upside to providing an interpreter for every deaf individual who requests one. This is a difficult time. Every patient, client or deaf individual deserves equal opportunity access.
Using a family member or a friend who can sign, does not suffice, nor is it recommended.
There are several reasons following this.
1-They may not know the correct terminology.
2-They may not be able to interpret correctly and provide all information as given.
3-They could intentionally leave out information if they do not agree with it.
4-They could give the information with changes that was not actually given.
5-They may not be able to interpret in a way the client truly understands.
The list goes on.
For this reason, interpreters are certified. They are qualified to be interpreting in these settings.
I do want you to know, there is a difference between qualified and certified.
Certified-they have been tested. They have been given their certification levels.
Qualified may be someone who is fluent-this would be dependent on whether the qualifications match the said deaf individual. While some interpreters are qualified to interpret for one deaf individual, this does not mean they are qualified to interpret for another.
So for those of you out there reading this, I won't go into the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) at this time, but if you are researching as to whether your business has to provide an interpreter, I strongly recommend you check out the ADA, as well, be aware of why you should hire one. Educate yourself and your business. :) In the long run, despite the costs, its worth it.
Be educated. Be smart. Be accessable!
Some states continue to struggle. For those of us struggling, I mean 2 things, the amount of interpreters available, is low and 2, the stuggles with buisnesses to provide interpreters is very strong.
So many doctors, attnys, courts, etc do not see the upside to providing an interpreter for every deaf individual who requests one. This is a difficult time. Every patient, client or deaf individual deserves equal opportunity access.
Using a family member or a friend who can sign, does not suffice, nor is it recommended.
There are several reasons following this.
1-They may not know the correct terminology.
2-They may not be able to interpret correctly and provide all information as given.
3-They could intentionally leave out information if they do not agree with it.
4-They could give the information with changes that was not actually given.
5-They may not be able to interpret in a way the client truly understands.
The list goes on.
For this reason, interpreters are certified. They are qualified to be interpreting in these settings.
I do want you to know, there is a difference between qualified and certified.
Certified-they have been tested. They have been given their certification levels.
Qualified may be someone who is fluent-this would be dependent on whether the qualifications match the said deaf individual. While some interpreters are qualified to interpret for one deaf individual, this does not mean they are qualified to interpret for another.
So for those of you out there reading this, I won't go into the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) at this time, but if you are researching as to whether your business has to provide an interpreter, I strongly recommend you check out the ADA, as well, be aware of why you should hire one. Educate yourself and your business. :) In the long run, despite the costs, its worth it.
Be educated. Be smart. Be accessable!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Interpreters for the Deaf
You know, it seems today that we have more and more students becoming interpreters---yet, because of VRS--we are losing our interpreters in the deaf community.
Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".
I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.
Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)
Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)
They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)
I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)
Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".
I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.
Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)
Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)
They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)
I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Caption/TV/Movies/Theatres
Oooh had a bit of frusteration the other nite! The Bachelor was on. I don't usually watch it, but friends said I should! So, I go to ABC, and check it out---lo and behold of all nights--no captioning!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
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