InterpretersHow to Use Them by Sarah Lawrence It can be daunting booking your first interpreter, but you can be rest assured that you’re in good hands. They are all professionals with years of training and experience. I’ve pulled together a little bit of advice and guidance for you, from my experience of working with Interpreters over the years.....
How to find them...
We’ve got a great list for you of local, qualified BSL Interpreters right here in the magazine. If you are dealing with the Police, Health Boards or other Public Services then you’ll probably find that they have their own policies for employing an interpreter.
Get organsied...
Background info...
Where possible it’s good for an Interpreter to be copied into a meeting’s agenda, or have any handouts that may be distributed before the session. This helps to provide some context, although may not be appropriate for some situations, such as medical appointments. It’s best to discuss this with your chosen Interpreter when you make the booking.
During the meeting...
Address the BSL user directly, rather than speaking to the interpreter, maintaining your normal pace and flow. If an Interpreter needs to clarify any points with you, or has missed any information then they will stop you or slow you down. Most people feel they need to pause to “let the Interpreter catch up”, but that’s not the case, so carry on. Keep the Interpreter at your side, remember that the BSL user is watching them, so needs to have them close to you, but also the Interpreter needs to hear what you’re saying and in a busy environment they’ll be grateful to have you close at hand.
Paying the bill...
In some instances the BSL user may well have their own Interpreter funding through schemes such as Access to Work from the DWP, or Disabled Students’ Allowance. In many cases however it is the responsibility of the Service Provider (under the Equality Act 2010) to pay for the Interpreter.
This may seem obvious to some people, but a lot of people run into difficulties with getting their dates and venues mixed up, this can create problems from the start if everyone involved is turning up to the wrong place, or even on the wrong day. This may well still be chargeable too, so it’s very worth while checking a few days before. 6
SL First ▪ Autumn Edition