Working with an interpreter is easy and painless.

As a hearing consumer, a few things to keep in mind are:

• Speak directly to the Deaf consumer (avoid saying “tell them…”).
• Provide the interpreter with a copy of printed materials (if available).
• Interpreters will require breaks about every 20 minutes.
• Depending on the nature and/or length of the assignment, more than one interpreter may be needed.
• Interpreters use “processing time" to gain an understanding of the entire message before they begin signing.