Ethical Choices: Educational Sign Language Interpreters as Change Agents

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The article Ethical Choices: Educational Sign Language Interpreters as Change Agents is such a refreshing look on educational interpreting. I found myself agreeing with so many points in this article and even more helpful was an outside source giving me “permission” to make some of the choices I do in the classroom. In the article, Doug Bowen-Bailey, suggests that interpreters should not only avoid the “invisibility/conduit model” but in situations that involve a power-imbalance (K-12 especially) this model can be detrimental. Bowen-Bailey provides rich examples for what this can look like, such as teaching the Deaf-student how to play a game all the other kids know how to play (instead of standing back wishing the teacher would help them). He also suggests taking advantage of tools being used in our profession such as the Demand-Control Schema and Supervision Sessions! I believe this dialogue about educational interpreting is so valuable and I can only hope it continues.

Sign Language Interpreting in Art Class

Ethical Choices: Educational Sign Language Interpreters as Change Agents

Another related article that is a wonderful read is:

Sign Language Interpreters in Mainstream Classrooms: Heartbroken and Gagged

1 Comment to Ethical Choices: Educational Sign Language Interpreters as Change Agents

  1. gibson_m says:

    I loved this article!! Thanks for sharing Jenna!

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