How to work with an interpreter

• Speak directly to the Deaf person
• Do not speak about the Deaf person
• Do not yell; use a normal tone of voice
• The interpreter will interpret everything they hear, so do not say “don’t interpret this”
• Speak clearly and at a natural pace, there is no need to wait for the interpreters hands to drop

Before a meeting or event:

• Schedule an interpreter as far in advance as possible
• Provide a topic and agenda if possible
• Consider visual access when setting up the room (lighting, seating arrangement, line of sight)
• If videos are being used, check to see if Closed Captioning is available. If so, have AV equipment set up and ready

During meeting or event:

• Facilitate 1 speaker at a time
• Address Deaf person directly
• Allow time to read or fill-in paperwork without comments (A Deaf person cannot read and listen at the same time)

Intrepreting Services

Brown Starks Neighborhood Center

1200 Bono Road

(812) 945-4063

(502) 550-5384 After Hours

TTY (812) 944-4454