Useful Tips for Educators working with an Interpreter (Elementary, Middle and High School)
Deaf students are visual learners just as some of the other student may be. It would be much appreciated by these students if you could make use of visual aids whenever possible such as using an overhead projector, or writing on the board. This is also helpful for the interpreter as they need periodic breaks to help prevent over-use syndrome (Carpal Tunnel) which is damage to the median nerve. This also gives the deaf students eyes a rest, watching intently on the interpreter's hands can be very tiring and can cause headaches. Deaf students can't look around or put their head down or they will miss information.
Some deaf students may be more reserved than other deaf students may. One reason is due to the communication barriers they face with hearing students. Include the deaf student in class conversations; ask them questions; allow them to be part of the class. This will also give you an idea if the student is following along with the subject material.
It is vital to be aware of each deaf student's needs. Not all-deaf children have the same needs or use the same form of communication. There are sign systems that some deaf children use that are different than American Sign Language. Some deaf students are what we call "oral" meaning they rely on speech reading and voicing for communication. If you have a deaf student who is "Oral" they will have an Oral Interpreter who will sit in front of them and mouth exactly what is being relayed in the class. It is also important to know that many deaf children who grew up using manual communication rather than English may have grammar skills that are behind their peers. This does not mean the deaf student is ignorant or cannot comprehend, you must remember that American Sign Language or other Manual forms of Communication cannot be written down as English and that American Sign Language has its own grammatical and syntax structure.
It is also important that you expect the same quality of work from these deaf students as you do hearing students. Do not take pity because they are deaf - they are smart and need to be pushed to succeed just as anyone else does. Do not let them use their deafness as a crutch. Remember, the only difference is they cannot hear.
There are many variations of deafness and sign language and we as educators must be knowledgeable of these variations.
Lastly it is important to understand that no matter what title your school district uses for an interpreter, Interpreters are NOT aides; they are Professionals just as you are and go through State or National Testing. Some states do not require testing for one to be an interpreter however; it is highly recommend that they do. One of the tenants of the Code of Ethics that interpreters follow states "Interpreters shall strive to further knowledge". It is also important to know that there are A.S, BA and Masters programs for interpreters.
For more information on Interpreting and Deaf Culture, be sure to check out the Deaf Culture and About ASL sections of my Web site.
