- Interpreters are in the classroom to interpret the instruction provided into an accessible form for the deaf/hard of hearing student (American Sign Language).
- The interpreters job is to give the deaf /hard of hearing student equal access to education.
- Interpreters are certified professionals who use American Sign Language or Signed English to interpret spoke English for people that are deaf/hard of hearing
Using an Interpreter:
- speak clearly in a normal tone
- face the student using the interpreter(do not face the interpreter)
- do not rush through a lesson or lecture
- the deaf student can not watch the interpreter and look at classroom materials at the same time
- good lighting is important (the student needs to be able to see the interpreter)
- use closed captioned materials when possible (videos)
- see captioned media program: http://www.cfv.org/about.asp?secid=1
- provide text book, handouts, and other materials before the lesson if possible (this give the interpreter time to prepare and coordinate technical signs with the student before the lesson begins)
Interpreter needs in the classroom
- chair or stool depending on the activities, length of lesson, and setting
- copies of all materials textbook
- handouts
- worksheets
- movies (use captioned media when possible)
- schedule changes
- field trip information
- new vocabulary words
- project information