Kelly Miner

You work as an interpreter/classroom assistant for a Deaf student in a classroom of 34 students. Part of your role is to interpret; part of your role is to work with all of the students in support of the teacher --- grading papers, helping with learning activities, etc. You have known the Deaf student for several years and know his parents quite well. AS a matter of fact, you socialize with them outside of work, This student has begun displaying some behavioral problems at school, acting out, skipping class, and acting rude to you and the teacher. The parents have asked you how their child is doing in school.

 

I: Identify the problems in this situation (3+); C: Consider the options (3+); E: Evaluate your decision (CPC List)

 

I: “The problems in this scenario are:

1) You interpret for a deaf child and are friends with the parents

2) Parents want to know how child is doing in school

3) Child is showing behavioral problems at school, acting out, skipping class, acting rude

4) You’ve known and have worked with the student for several years

5) Your job is more than interpreting it’s also a classroom assistant

 

C: “The interpreter could

1) Tell the parents to ask the Deaf child 1.1 3.3 3.10

2) Tell the parents to ask the teacher 1.1 3.3 3.10

3) Tell the parents

4) Ask the Deaf child to tell their parents 1.1

5) Ask the teacher to talk to the parents  1.1

6) Inform the parents you aren’t allowed to talk about work related business with them and move to a new subject 1.1 2.5 3.3 3.7 3.10 6.6

 

The interpreter should

 

Inform the parents you are not allowed to discuss work related business with them and instead suggest them asking the Deaf child or teacher themselves

 

E: “The CPC supports this decision because (#, tenet, and reasoning)

This is the best decision because:

1.1- Only share information on an “as-needed” basis, in this situation it is not as-needed and you are withholding information from the right people.

2.5- By not telling them I am refraining from my personal opinion on the matter

3.3- I am avoiding dual or conflicting roles

3.7-I am disclosing there may be a conflict if I say anything

3.10- I am refraining from telling them confidential information

6.6- I am refraining from harassment from the parents

 

Short term impact:

Deaf consumer- is uneffected

    Hearing consumer- Parents find out in a just way

Interpreter- Is trusted by Deaf consumer

Interpreting Community- Shows trust for the Deaf Consumers

 

Long Term impact:

Deaf consumer- Can resolve the behavior with parents

Hearing consumer- Is able to find out like any other parents

Interpreter- Is respected and trusted for confidentiality

Interpreting Community- Respected by Deaf consumers

 

Closing statement: “If I were the interpreter in this situation, my answer may change based on new or different information but I will always uphold the tenets of the CPC.”