“I teach ASL classes. My boss is a licensed interpreter. She can interpret for me during staff meetings, right?"
Again, no. This is a role conflict.
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"I had a meeting with the regional manager from NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NC DSDHH). She is deaf. I had to go to court the following week and the regional manager was there. She was also my Deaf Interpreter. It was somewhat weird but this is ok, right?"
Again, no. This is a role conflict.
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"I took my daughter in for her annual shots. The nurse could sign! How neat. She even interpreted for the doctor!"
Again, this is a role conflict. As long as the communication is effective, the nurse may communicate with you directly in sign language. But she can NOT interpret for the doctor because she is NOT a licensed interpreter.
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"I work at a school for the Deaf. I always feel that it is awkward that our 'school interpreter' interprets at staff meetings."
Agreed. That can feel very awkward. Because the "school interpreter" is also your co-worker, it can be a role conflict. You, as an employee, have every right to ask for a Full-Licensed/RID Certified Interpreter who is qualified to interpret for you.
School interpreters are actually called Educational Interpreters. They are not licensed because they are exempted from NC Interpreting licensure law. The minimum requirements for NC Educational Interpreters (including both public schools and schools for the Deaf) are:
- a high school degree or a GED
- a minimum EIPA score of 3.0: Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment
What does a minimum EIPA score of 3.0 mean? An educational interpreter with a 3.0 EIPA score only translates 50-59% of the information.
