Tip #2 – Do you know ASL?
In my recent interview with Google, obviously, I need an interpreter, so in requesting for one, I didn’t say “I’m deaf, I need an interpreter for our interview, so please get one for me.”
Instead, I asked “Do you happen to be fluent in ASL? If not, then we’d need an interpreter.” Then, she replied, “Unfortunately I don’t. Is there a way I can help to find an interpreter for us?” I answered, “Not a problem, I will find one for us, thanks.”
There are two reasons why this is important. First, it further shows that ASL is a natural, legitimate language and that both parties need an interpreter, not just for a deaf person. Secondly, it shows that I’m independent, not like a baby that screams for milk. The interviewer has too many things going on and I do not want to add one more thing to her list that she has to find an interpreter. Plus, she never worked with a deaf person before so she wouldn’t know where to go to find an interpreter.
That is tip #2.
3 Comments, Comment or Ping
gnarlydorkette
But does it mean I have to pay an interpreter out of my pocket? I cannot afford an interpreter who charge 75 to 100 dollars hourly…
That is the problem, imo, is who gets stuck with the bill for the interpreter? I grew up thinking that the government will always pay for the interpreters for Deaf people who are looking for jobs (because duh, how can Deaf people pay if they have NO job???), but eventually I found out that ONLY business or deaf people will be the one who pay for the interpreting services… and what business is willing to pay an interpreter for a JOB INTERVIEW??? None.
So this is a catch-22…. we need to establish an organization or somethin where Deaf people can pay less for interpreters… (TAX WRITEOFF??) or at least interpreters who will post themselves as pro-bono for job interviews…
THEN we can afford to pay for the interpreters for future meeting or whatever.
Jul 29th, 2007
natech
No, I didn’t pay for it. The companies did. If that company still refused to pay for interpreters, then you probably don’t want to work for that company. Also, it’s important that the value you supposedly bring will be more than they paid for them, eventually.
Jul 29th, 2007
Darren
$75-$100 and hour for interpreting? I want to live where you live!! I don’t know of any interpreters earning this much money. I can see this figure applying to an interpreting agency charging an organization/provider/company that much for a team of 2 interpreters. I think one of the biggest gaps between the interpreting community and the Deaf community right now is the perception that many Deaf people have that we, as interpreters, are earning some huge amount of money. If I were earning $75-$100 an hour you can bet I would not be interpreting the 55-60 hours a week I am currently working to pay my bills.
The other folks are right, though, the company has to pay for it within the requirements of the ADA rulings and related laws.
And, Davy, great point! Deaf people and interpreters are so used to being confronted when they request an interpreter that we are on the defensive from the get go. The way you ask is so important. Great tip!
Aug 2nd, 2007
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