Ethical Choices: Educational Sign Language Interpreters as Change Agents
I have a great respect for educational interpreters because they seem to be caught between several worlds and they can see first hand if the Deaf child is suffering are flourishing. There are several ethical lines they encounter that cannot be defined in a carte blanche approach; these are lines that are unique to each child and each situation.
I think that's a really good point that you bring up. What do you think would contribute to making a good interpreter and how do you think an interpreter affects the child's growth?
ReplyDeleteI agree. Each interpreter needs to assist the child in a way which will help his/her unique situation. We are currently learning about unethical dilemmas in one of my other classes, and there are many areas (especially with minors) that could be considered unethical. I believe that interpreters should be taught how to treat a child's individual needs and how to stay ethical in their decision making. There should be a more flexible set of rules for interpreters to follow, depending on the setting and the child. They are their mentor.
ReplyDeleteGreat article, thanks for sharing this, Joe! I think everyone tends to underestimate the field of American Sign Language interpreting in general; however, educational interpreting has so much more that is involved than that which meets the eye, so I definitely feel that educational interpreters should be applauded! Between the boundaries, ethics, age of the child/(children) and an interpreting role that comes with that, classroom teachers, educational team, etc. etc... I believe interpreters in that field have super powers :)
ReplyDeleteEducational interpreting I feel like gets really hard also because being around 1 or just a few kids everyday you're going to get attached to that kid. I work at a day camp over the summer and during the school year I miss those little monsters so much. There are a lot of ethical considerations needed but there is also a lot of emotional understanding you need to have about yourself before you go into this field. I think that I would have a hard time watching a child go on in school without me just because I would feel so attached and want to see that child succeed.
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