Interpreters for the Deaf

You know, it seems today that we have more and more students becoming interpreters---yet, because of VRS--we are losing our interpreters in the deaf community.

Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".

I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.

Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)

Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)

They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)

I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)

Deaf Dumb Mute

I have been learning twitter lately. Sometimes I'm surprised at the things I read, and sometimes--I'm not. A hot topic though, surprised me, that even though I know people still label deaf as mute and dumb, I was kind of astonished to see that there are way more than a handful of people who still do that. I dont know if these people are just ingorant or what?There are more than a handful of deaf who are sucessful, smart, brilliant even. Even there are deaf who's english is almost absolutely perfect. A well known lady is Marlee Matlin. She is in no way deaf nor dumb. And she's definitly not mute. Mute refers to someone who doesnt' have a voice. Have you ever heard a deaf person yell? Golly gee! I am deaf, and even I sometimes have to cover my ears! Mute--they are not!

There are hearing people who are mute. We do not sterotype them as "hearing mute". I mean..??? What kind of sense would that even make?Little by little, our deaf world is growing in educating the hearing community. We still have a ton of educaing to do to be where we want to be. Some states are further along. I'm in Oklahoma--when I lived in Oregon-I didn't even have to ask let alone beg for an interpreter for any type of appointments. They also didn't force them on us if we declined.In Oklahoma, as well as other states, these struggles continue. But thats for another blog.My blog tonight was mainly on deaf/mute/dumb. *gulp*... Like there arent' any hearing/mute or hearing/dumb out there.

I mean, its not really nice, but just because our communities are much smaller than those of the hearing people in numbers--doesnt' give anyone a right to stereotype us--or even label us of any sort. But, I suppose that will continue.Just for anyone reading this, who has been guided to my blog tonight--leave a note. Do you think I'm deaf or dumb?I've written this blog--intelligently--

Or even mute for that matter? Hmm, if ONLY you could hear my voice. Your jaw would drop. I wasn't always deaf. I could hear--onceupon a long time ago. One doesnt lose their voice overnight--nor to they lose their speech overnite either. If you were to become deaf tomorrow--you would still be able to talk. But either way--I will never be mute--unless something happens to my voice box. :-D Just sayin'....