Deaf and Hearing Interpreter Teams, A Dynamic Duo.
We are aware not every interpreting community regularly uses DI/HI teams. For some of you this may be a foreign concept. Don’t worry! Let’s break it down and discuss how dynamic and effective this duo can be!
One of Sonshine Interpreting core values is Deaf influence. As often as possible using a Deaf interpreter as part of our team for any worship or scripted content. Regardless if you are the DI or HI, your job is the same. Support one another and be sure communication is relayed in an effective way.
How does it work?
As a DI, because you have scripted content, you can easily prepare for your segments, relying on the HI for unscripted moments. HI, in those unscripted moments relay the message clearly to the DI as if you were actually interpreting, but from your seat. The DI then will copy-sign from what you’ve relayed. This not only empowers the use of DI’s but it also allows for the DI to take ownership of the language produced to the Deaf audience. Dynamic!!
Communicate ahead of time!
Before the event, be sure you have communicated as a team seating, lighting and language mode preferred in case those unscripted moments happen. Lean into the DI for all “Deaf perspective” considerations. Also, be sure you have a plan if this unscripted moment goes longer than a DI is comfortable. Depending on training, some DI’s may not be as comfortable copy-signing for long periods of time. At which point, you both can decide if it’s better for the HI to take the hot seat. Effective!!
Support each other!
Be a support system to each other. As an HI, be ready to empower the DI to do the work they are trained to do. Have hands ready to support those unscripted moments! DI, be ready to educate the HI on more effective approaches to make this dynamic duo that much more effective. Lastly, always think of each other as a team! Equal parts, working together for one goal, providing ASL access to events equipping Deaf people for life and ministry.
