Access to Information

Why do interpreters and interpreting service agencies need to be ethical? Because information is power.

As trilingual interpreters it is our responsibility to the community that we serve to continue to improve our skills in the languages that we interpret. It is not enough to strive for national certification for American Sign Language and to let our comfort with Spanish lead us to believe we are qualified to interpret any Spanish scenario. The same applies to the hiring agency. Why is it okay to set your policy in support of the ASL user having access to information from a certified interpreter?  You set your policies to make sure the consumer has quality. But when it comes down to the Spanish user, the Latino consumer, a warm body is better than no body. Whatever they get is good enough.

It is negligent and discriminating to abuse your power. You are oppressing the community by controlling the information they receive and how they receive it.

I urge interpreters to be aware our skills. Know and accept when you are the best one for the job, or when you are not the right person. I urge you to respond to the agencies when they abuse their power.

 And to the companies providing service, I urge to you to acknowledge the power that you hold and put it back in the hands of the community.