One thing some people don’t realize when they’re out—and
even if they run into a deaf person while they’re out and about—how difficult
some aspects can become if no one’s prepared. They don’t see that we need help
in one way or another—ASL interpreter, oral interpreter, hearing dog (which we
would supply), etc.
They don’t realize that, if they (meaning a business or
office or doctor’s appointment), need to communicate with a deafie, they need
not only to schedule one (*whichever the deaf person requests), but it must be
at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting or appt. to give the agency enough
time to find an interpreter for the appointment.
That doesn’t always happen with me (at least). Perhaps I’m just
lucky. They say God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. I must be one big
shot in the bag. Why do I say that? I cannot even begin to tell you how often
Kenny takes me a long-been scheduled appt and we find no ‘terp being expected.
So, what does one do in these situations? Sure, depending
on the time of day, once could call an emergency interpreter and wait around
for an hour or more—only then needing to find an opening for that doctor.
The several times this has happened to me, it’s always the same
thing on my end.
- Ask
them what time the interpreter is scheduled for. (Often the answer is
never).
- Literally
and loudly communicate my total disappointment the place is to be seeing
me.
- Then
reschedule leaving it clear this is no to happen again.
- Go home
ticked off and wait for yet another call regarding arranging a ‘terp. (I’ll
believe it when I see it.)
There is one more option, but it is NOT recommended—to ask
the hearing friend/family you’re there with if they’d stand in and interpret.
Let me straight with you—that is technically illegal because
it is not their full language, they don’t have the schooling needed to do this,
the appt is supposed to be confidential, and they don’t have a certificate. So,
Kenny has been asked/forced to interpret for me at several therapy and psychiatric
and medical meeting and lotsg of other places (dentists, discussions, etc). And
Kenny does it, but he’s pretty ticked-off. He wants money for his efforts—with
or without his certificate. And I totally agree.
My point? Respect deaf people’s needs for accommodations. Be
sure to follow through with setting them up to fill their needs. After all,
being deaf and surrounded by hearing people doesn’t make for a comfortable
situation.
Just my opinion.
Anyone agree?
Please comment!
