Deaf-Blind Interpreting Strategies
Online Webinar Series Created by Susanne Morgan Morrow, MA, CI, CT Do not copy or distribute without permission.
LEVEL III – DEAF-BLIND INTERPRETING STRATEGIES: TACTILE & TEAMING TECHNIQUES Webinar #15 Coordinating Multiple Needs
RID CEUs sponsored by Signs of Development, LLC.
Learner Objectives • Become familiar with the need for simultaneous multiple interpreting modalities used by Deaf-Blind people. • Identify pre-planning and on-site logistical strategies to assist in the coordination of needs. • Discern additional needs to support seamless interactions: Support Service Providers, print modifications, additional lighting, etc.
•Knowing the “facts” ahead of time will assist in facilitating seamless coordination.
Pre-Conferencing
•Communicating with the requesting party in advance will assist with on-site coordination.
• Type and degree of vision loss • Preferred mode of communication
Request the following information:
– Use specific terminology, such as ASL or English-like signing, oral with support, use of technology, typing requirements, alternative print, etc.
• Communication modifications – Close vision/low vision – Reduced fields – Tactile: one or two-handed
• Interpreter preferences – Hearing or deaf interpreters, male or female, left or right-handed
• Support Service Provider needs (tofrom the event and during)
• Coordinating needs of multiple individuals does not automatically necessitate additional interpreters.
Number of Interpreters • With balanced logistics and clear information in advance multiple individuals may be coordinated in a way to share interpreters
Team of 5 Scenario
Interpreters • Jeanette Ocampo-Welch • Candace Strayer • Jeannette Gladstone
Deaf-Blind Partners • Jamie Pope • Jill Gaus
•Having a back-up plan is essential!
Back-Up Plan • If vision shifts occur or fatigue sets in throughout the event request/investigate additional supports that are available with the on-site coordinator(s) to learn of your options
Potential Challenges
• Fatigue and/or logistical factors effect mode of communication – Lighting – Background – Logistical demands (movement of the speaker or expectation of audience members) – Switches in mode of access: • From platform to close vision • From close vision to tactile • From reading print to close vision • Sightlines are obstructed
Coordinating Multiple Needs Small group vs. Large events
Guest Presenter Mala Poe
You can’t plan for every possible scenario. Good Coordination takes experience
Three different events require three different approaches? 1. State Association for DB board meeting 2. Memorial service for well known Deaf scholar at University 3. American Association of Deaf-Blind Symposium
Pre-Event Planning: Research
• Try to get info on the following • How many DB people will be in attendance • Communication styles • Previous SSPs for event, if applicable • Length of event • Speakers of event and their communication • Room layout (seating, lights, etc)
Pre-Event Planning: Call for SSPs
• Build a list of SSPs in area NOW • Put the call out for volunteers to SSPs AND Interpreters/DIs who may be interested • Send to near by ITPs • Offer a short 3 hour training if necessary • Attempt 2:1 ratio • Send out confirmations with dress code and other logistical info
During Event Planning: Be Prepared
• Be the coordinator, take authority. • Get there early to set up • Know where sight lines are, windows, lights, etc. • Check chairs w/ & w/o arm rests • Where is front? • Who is Lead & what is expected • Expect a no-show…
For Board meeting
• Everyone could sit in area with 4 tables making one square • SSPs & DB around edges. • One interpreter in front for all to copy • DIs placed on corners so could see all • Each SSP would voice for their DB, floater would voice for DIs DB • Coordinator may work, but also calls 20 min switch
For Memorial Service • Little to no info about who was attending or how many I would have • Logistics more difficult. Some SSPs/DB that I didn’t know. • Voice interpreters not strong for stage • DIs not understanding signers on stage • Set up quick DI in front of stage, and I fed them. Everyone else worked off them
AADB • • • • • •
310 SSPs & 150 Delegates Online application for all (30 Q each) Too many people not communicating Local vs. National SSPs Email traffic and Q’s after app is done Matching – Handedness, mode, smoker, height, gender, skill, length of stay, personalities!
Lessons learned • • • • •
Need more than one person Be involved from beginning Remain flexible & open minded Accept you can’t please everyone Use Google docs or something u can share with others • Back up all data • Divvy out what you can
Key Points for Success Coordinating Multiple Needs
Pre-conferencing is critical to the success of the event. Be familiar with the on-site logistics and resources available. Have a back-up plan to support various needs.
Thank You! COMMUNICATION & LOGISTICAL SUPPORT • Sheila Ray Vallecillo • Debbie Olsen RID Change of Knowledge Evaluation http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J5YTKZJ